Objective:

To determine the relationship between the thickness of the optic nerve- sheath complex as measured by ultrasound and intracranial hypertension.

Methods:

A descriptive and longitudinal observational study was performed in 144 orbits of 72 patients with a clinical diagnosis of intracranial hypertension. Once clinical improvement was achieved, orbital ultrasound was performed at the beginning of the diagnosis, which allowed measuring the meningeal sheath, the optic nerve, the optic nerve-sheath complex and the height of the papilla.

Results:

In all cases the initial thickness of the sheath was ≥ 3 mm, that of the optic nerve-sheath complex > 5 mm, and the height of the papilla > 0.8 mm, while that of the optic nerve did not exceed 3 mm. After reaching clinical improvement, a decrease in all these variables was demonstrated, with the exception of the optic nerve, whose diameter was almost unchanged. Some differences between the first and second ultrasound measurements were statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Therefore, this procedure is ratified as part of the full neurological monitoring in patients with suspected or confirmed intracranial hypertension.

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