Infarction in the optic nerve.

Infarction in the optic nerve is a well-known complication in cases of giant-cell arteritis, but may not be diagnosed when it is related to atherosclerosis. The three patients to be reported were referred during the same year with papilloedema and a diagnosis of suspected brain tumour. Two underwent extensive radiological procedures to exclude an intracranial tumour. The three patients illustrate the syndrome of infarction in the optic nerve and provide a basis for the suggestion that, when this diagnosis is suspected, a short period of observation appropriately may replace some of these procedures. In addition, studies were made of the vasculature of selected optic nerves at necropsy.