Abstract

In this study, we aimed to comprehensively examine the effect of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) on limbic system structures using the volBrain automated segmentation method. Among 22 patients diagnosed with NAION, 14 (9 males, 5 females) with Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) were included in the study. The control group consisted of 14 healthy individuals of the same age and gender who underwent MRI for any reason. The mean age in both groups was 62.5 ± 9.49 years. Volumetric analysis of limbic system structures was performed on the images using the VolBrain system. Right amygdala volume (0.94 ± 0.12 cm³ vs. 1.06 ± 0.10 cm³, p=0.011), left amygdala volume (0.93 ± 0.09 cm³ vs. 1.01 ± 0.10 cm³, p=0.034), total amygdala volume (1.87 ± 0.20 cm³ vs. 2.06 ± 0.19 cm³, p=0.016), left CA4-DG volume (0.30 ± 0.07 cm³ vs. 0.38 ± 0.08 cm³, p=0.008), and total CA4-DG volume (0.62 ± 0.13 cm³ vs. 0.70 ± 0.06 cm³, p=0.031) were significantly lower in the NAION group compared to healthy controls. Based on our results, we suggest that the reduction in visual input in NAION patients may be associated with changes in certain limbic system structures involved in learning, memory, and habit-forming functions.

Key words: Limbic system, non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, volumetric analysis