Normal visual fields as assessed by computerized static threshold perimetry in patients with untreated primary hypothyroidism

Summary, in English

In this prospective study, 25 consecutive patients with untreated primary hypothyroidism were tested with a highly sensitive perimetric technique, since a high prevalence of visual field defects has been described in this condition. All patients had clinical hypothyroidism, a serum TSH value greater than 20 mU/l (reference range 0.4-4.0) and decreased/low normal serum total T4 concentration. Visual fields were tested with fully automated threshold-measuring computerized perimetry of the central 30 degrees field. Interpretation of fields included computer-assisted analysis provided by a perimetric statistical programme package. In 23 patients, conventional inspection and computer-assisted analysis showed no visual field defects. Two patients were excluded from the latter analysis: one patient who did not respond adequately at computerized perimetry and in whom manual field tests were entirely normal: one patient who had low sensitivity values in the uppermost parts of both visual fields owing to markedly swollen upper eye lids. In conclusion, although pituitary hyperplasia has been well documented in primary hypothyroidism, the present prospective study clearly indicates that visual field defects are not a common finding in patients with this disease.

• Author: Bengt Hallengren; P Manhem; Margareta Bramnert; Inga Redlund-Johnell; Anders Heijl
• Department/s: Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö; Diagnostic Radiology, (Lund); Ophthalmology (Malmö)
• Publishing year: 1989
• Language: English
• Pages: 495-500
• Publication/Series: Acta Endocrinologica
• Volume: 121
• Issue: 4
• Document type: Journal article
• Publisher: Society of the European Journal of Endocrinology
• Topic: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Medical Imaging; Clinical Medicine; Ophthalmology
• Status: Published
• Research group: Ophthalmology (Malmö)
• ISBN/ISSN/Other: ISSN: 0001-5598