7. Three â neuron pathway
Neuro-ophthalmology: the requisites in ophthalmology, Krachmer, JH (Ed), Mosby, St. Louis
2000. Copyright Š2000 Elsevier.
8. First â Order Neuron
Neuro-ophthalmology: the requisites in ophthalmology, Krachmer, JH (Ed), Mosby, St. Louis
2000. Copyright Š2000 Elsevier.
9. Second â Order Neuron
Neuro-ophthalmology: the requisites in ophthalmology, Krachmer, JH (Ed), Mosby, St. Louis
2000. Copyright Š2000 Elsevier.
10. Third â Order Neuron
Neuro-ophthalmology: the requisites in ophthalmology, Krachmer, JH (Ed), Mosby, St. Louis
2000. Copyright Š2000 Elsevier.
11. Third â Order Neuron
Innervates the iris dilator
muscles & MĂźller's
muscle
Neuro-ophthalmology: the requisites in ophthalmology, Krachmer, JH (Ed), Mosby, St. Louis
2000. Copyright Š2000 Elsevier.
16. Ptosis
⢠Ptosis is minor, usually less than 2 mm
⢠Paralysis of the Mßller's muscle, which is
innervated by the sympathetic pathway
⢠"upside-down ptosis"
17. Anhidrosis
⢠Anhidrosis is present in central or preganglionic
(first or second-order) lesions
⢠This sign is frequently not apparent to patients or
clinicians
19. Hornerâs in Children
⢠Impaired facial flushing (Harlequin sign) is often
more apparent than anhidrosis
⢠Acute features of sympathetic disruption can
also include ipsilateral conjunctival injection,
nasal stuffiness, and increased near point of
accommodation
23. Localizing/Associated
Symptoms
⢠Diplopia, vertigo, ataxia, lateralized weakness
suggest a brainstem localization
⢠Bilateral or ipsilateral weakness, long tract signs,
sensory level, bowel and bladder impairment
suggest involvement of the cervicothoracic cord
⢠Arm pain and/or hand weakness typical of brachial
plexus lesions suggest a lesion in the lung apex
24. ⢠Ipsilateral extraocular pareses, particularly a sixth
nerve palsy, in the absence of other brainstem signs
localize the lesion to the cavernous sinus
⢠An isolated Horner's syndrome accompanied by
neck or head pain suggests an internal carotid
dissection
26. First-order syndrome
Lesions of the sympathetic
tracts in the brainstem or
cervicothoracic spinal cord
can produce a first-order
Horner's syndrome.
28. ⢠Strokes, tumors, and demyelinating lesions affecting
the sympathetic tracts in the hypothalamus,
midbrain, pons, medulla, or cervicothoracic spinal
cord are other potential causes of a central Horner's
syndrome.
⢠Syringomyelia and cervical cord trauma can also
produce a Horner's syndrome.
29. Second-order syndrome
Second-order or
preganglionic Horner's
syndromes can occur with
trauma or surgery involving
the spinal cord, thoracic
outlet, or lung apex
30.
31. ⢠Lumbar epidural anesthesia can also produce a
Horner's syndrome. This is most often described in
association with obstetrical procedure.
32. Third-order syndrome
Third-order Horner's
syndromes often indicate
lesions of the internal
carotid artery such as an
arterial dissection,
thrombosis, or cavernous
sinus aneurysm.
33. Carotid Dissection
An acute Horner's syndrome with neck or facial
pain should be presumed to be caused by carotid
dissection until proven otherwise.
Between 40 and 60 percent of patients present
with an isolated painful third-order Horner's
syndrome.
Emergent diagnostic tests should be obtained
37. Pharmacologic Testing
⢠Pharmacologic tests can be useful to confirm the
diagnosis and to localize the lesion
⢠Two agents are used: cocaine
or apraclonidine drops and hydroxyamphetamine
drops
38. Confirmation of Hornerâs
Syndrome
⢠Pharmacological testing with cocaine
or apraclonidine drops can confirm the diagnosis of
Horner's syndrome in subtle cases
⢠If the diagnosis of Horner's syndrome is clear
clinically, then use of cocaine or apraclonidine can
be avoided
39. Cocaine
⢠Blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine at the
sympathetic nerve synapse
⢠Intact pathway â dilates pupil. No effect on
impaired sympathetic pathway
40. Apraclonidine
⢠Alternative to cocaine
⢠Direct alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist.
Apraclonidine has weak alpha-1 and strong alpha-2
activity
⢠Alpha-1 mediates pupillary dilation, while alpha-2
downregulates norepinephrine release at the
neuromuscular junction
41. From: Ocular Effects of Apraclonidine in Horner Syndrome
Arch Ophthalmol. 2000;118(7):951-954. doi:10-1001/pubs.Ophthalmol.-ISSN-0003-9950-118-7-ecs90240
Date of download: 6/9/2014
Copyright Š 2014 American Medical
Association. All rights reserved.
42. Localization of the Lesion
⢠First-order neuron
(brainstem or cervical cord)
⢠Second-order neuron
(chest or neck)
⢠Third-order or
postganglionic neuron
(above the superior cervical
ganglion at the carotid
bifurcation).
43. Hydroxyamphetamine
⢠It releases stored norepinephrine from the
postganglionic adrenergic nerve endings
⢠A normal pupil and a first or second-order Horner's
pupil will dilate, whereas a third-order Horner's pupil
will not dilate as well as the normal pupil.
46. ⢠Classic signs of a Horner's syndrome include
miosis, ptosis, and anhidrosis.
⢠The miosis is typically mild, associated with a
dilation lag and most prominent in dim light.
⢠The ptosis is also mild and also involves the lower
lid.
⢠Anhidrosis occurs with first or second-order lesions
only
47.
48. ⢠The common etiologies of Horner's syndrome are
categorized by which of the three neurons is affected.
⢠The differential diagnosis is also distinct in children
versus adults26
49. ⢠The presence of a Horner's syndrome can be confirmed
pharmacologically with either cocaine or apraclonidine
eye drops
⢠Hydroxyamphetamine eye drops can help distinguish a
third-order (postganglionic) Horner's syndrome from
either a first or second-order syndrome.
50. ⢠In the absence of a clear history of trauma as the
cause of Horner's syndrome, imaging studies will be
required.
Hinweis der Redaktion
Horner's syndrome can result from a lesion anywhere along a three-neuron sympathetic (adrenergic) pathway that originates in the hypothalamus
The first-order neuron descends caudally from the hypothalamus to the first synapse, which is located in the cervical spinal cord (levels C8-T2, also called ciliospinal center of Budge).
The second-order neuron travels from the sympathetic trunk, through the brachial plexus, over the lung apex. It then ascends to the superior cervical ganglion, located near the angle of the mandible and the bifurcation of the common carotid artery
The third-order neuron then ascends within the adventitia of the internal carotid artery, through the cavernous sinus, where it is in close relation to the sixth cranial nerve [1]. The oculosympathetic pathway then joins the ophthalmic (V1) division of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve). In the orbit and the eye, the oculosympathetic fibers innervate the iris dilator muscle as well as MĂźller's muscle, a small smooth muscle in the eyelids responsible for a minor portion of the upper lid elevation and lower lid retraction.
The third-order neuron then ascends within the adventitia of the internal carotid artery, through the cavernous sinus, where it is in close relation to the sixth cranial nerve [1]. The oculosympathetic pathway then joins the ophthalmic (V1) division of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve). In the orbit and the eye, the oculosympathetic fibers innervate the iris dilator muscle as well as MĂźller's muscle, a small smooth muscle in the eyelids responsible for a minor portion of the upper lid elevation and lower lid retraction.
The degree of anisocoria is more marked in the dark than in light. There is associated dilation lag, an asymmetry in pupillary redilation between the two eyes when the light source is moved away from the eye [2]. The Horner's pupil will redilate more slowly (by 15 to 20 seconds) than the normal pupil.
A) In the light, there is mild anisocoria, with the right pupil being smaller than the left pupil. There is also decreased palpebral fissure on the right.
B) In the dark, the right pupil does not dilate well.
C) After instillation of 1 percent hydroxyamphetamine in both eyes, only the left pupil dilates, suggesting a lesion involving the postganglionic oculosympathic pathways (third order Horner's syndrome).
The ptosis is minor (less than 2 mm) and occurs as a result of paralysis of the MĂźller's muscle, which is innervated by the sympathetic pathway. The lower as well as the upper lid is affected, producing the so-called "upside-down ptosis." This further narrows the palpebral fissure. The levator palpebrae superioris is unaffected; weakness of this muscle produces the more profound upper lid ptosis seen in third cranial nerve palsies.
The sympathetic fibers responsible for facial sweating and vasodilation branch off at the superior cervical ganglion from the remainder of the oculosympathetic pathway; thus, anhidrosis is not a feature of postganglionic or third-order lesions [3]. This sign is frequently not apparent to patients or clinicians.
The sympathetic fibers responsible for facial sweating and vasodilation branch off at the superior cervical ganglion from the remainder of the oculosympathetic pathway; thus, anhidrosis is not a feature of postganglionic or third-order lesions
One possible cause of Harlequin syndrome is a lesion to the preganglionic or postganglionic cervical sympathetic fibers and parasympathetic neurons of the ciliary ganglion
Congenital Horner syndrome. Ptosis, miosis, and heterochromia. Lighter colored iris is on the affected left side
A congenital Horner's syndrome should be suspected when anisocoria is associated with heterochromia (unequal iris color, with the affected iris being lighter). This occurs because formation of iris pigment in the first several months of age is under sympathetic control. This may only be apparent if the natural color is relatively dark
The most common cause is delivery-related trauma to the neck and shoulder, damaging the sympathetic pathway. Associated injury to the lower brachial plexus can produce weakness in the ipsilateral forearm and hand (Klumpke's paralysis).
.
Congenital ptosis of severe degree, left upper lid.
The most common cause is a lateral medullary infarction, which produces a Horner's syndrome as part of the Wallenberg syndrome.
Typically the patient presents with vertigo and ataxia, which overshadow the Horner's syndrome. Other neurologic symptoms and signs include abnormal eye movements, ipsilateral limb ataxia, and a dissociated sensory loss (loss of pain and temperature sensation on the ipsilateral face and contralateral trunk). Hoarseness and dysphagia are also often present.
when the intermediolateral columns are affected.
Pancoast tumor
due to pharmacologic disruption of the preganglionic neuron as it exits the spinal cord. This is most often described in association with obstetrical procedures; in such cases, a Hornerâs syndrome may indicate high sympathetic blockade.
Carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stenting can also produce a Horner's syndrome
Patients with acute carotid dissection are at a high risk for cerebral infarction, which usually occurs within the first few weeks, often within days, after onset of the Horner's syndrome.
Other causes of postganglionic Horner's syndrome include neck masses, otitis media, and pathology involving the cavernous sinus. Abnormalities of eye movements, particularly a sixth nerve palsy, commonly occur when the cavernous sinus is involved
A Horner's syndrome is a common feature of cluster headache, occurring with unilateral eye or temple pain and lacrimation, generally lasting no more than an hour or two
Whether to take the time to test the pupils pharmacologically or not to confirm a Horner syndrome mostly depends on the duration of the anisocoria and the location of the consultation:
âWhen a patient is seen in an emergency department with acute painful anisocoria highly suggestive of Horner syndrome, it is essential to immediately obtain appropriate investigations to look for a cervical artery dissection, or a cavernous sinus lesion. In this setting, pharmacologic testing would only delay appropriate testing and management.
âWhen a patient presents to an outpatient clinic with incidentally found isolated anisocoria, confirming the Horner syndrome before obtaining potentially costly and unnecessary tests is helpful. Unlike cocaine drops, apraclonidine drops are readily available, and are a very reliable way to confirm (or to rule-out) a Horner syndrome in adults or even older children.
s their administration will interfere with the hydroxyamphetamine test for localization.
Cocaine blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine at the sympathetic nerve synapse and causes pupillary dilation in eyes with intact sympathetic innervation. Cocaine has no effect in eyes with impaired sympathetic innervation, regardless of the lesion location. One hour after instillation of two drops of cocaine (4 or 10 percent), a normal pupil dilates more than the Horner's pupil, increasing the degree of anisocoria; anisocoria of 1 mm or more after cocaine administration is considered a positive result
In a Horner's pupil, denervation supersensitivity to the alpha-1 receptor will cause that pupil to dilate (usually by about 2 mm), while alpha-2 stimulation in the normal eye will cause that pupil to constrict slightly (usually by <1 mm). Thus, one to two drops of 0.5 percent apraclonidine instilled in both eyes causes a reversal of anisocoria in patients with Horner's syndrome. Comparison testing in small series of patients suggests that this test compares favorably with cocaine in the diagnosis of Horner's syndrome
All photographs were taken with room lights on. A, The patient at baseline, showing left ptosis and miosis; note the incidental elevated left upper eyelid fold consistent with levator aponeurosis dehiscence. B, Forty-five minutes after instillation of 10% cocaine to each eye. Failure of the left pupil to dilate indicates Horner syndrome. C, Several weeks later, appearance 1 hour after instillation of 1 drop of 1% apraclonidine to the left eye. Note reversal of baseline anisocoria.
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There is no pharmacologic test to distinguish between first and second-order lesions.
Hydroxyamphetamine eye drops will differentiate between a lesion affecting the first (brainstem or cervical cord) or second-order (chest or neck) neuron and one affecting the third-order or postganglionic neuron (above the superior cervical ganglion at the carotid bifurcation). There is no pharmacologic test to distinguish between first and second-order lesions. Because cocaine may interfere with the uptake and efficacy of hydroxyamphetamine drops, it is recommended that 24 to 72 hours elapse between the two tests.
One hour after instillation of 1 percent hydroxyamphetamine,
In the light, there is mild anisocoria, with the right pupil being smaller than the left pupil. There is also decreased palpebral fissure on the right. B) In the dark, the right pupil does not dilate well. C) After instillation of 1 percent hydroxyamphetamine in both eyes, only the left pupil dilates, suggesting a lesion involving the postganglionic oculosympathic pathways (third order Horner's syndrome).
The test is positive for postganglionic Horner's lesions when the anisocoria increases by at least 1 mm. This test has a sensitivity of 93 to 96 percent and a specificity of 84 percent for detecting postganglionic lesions. This test is not reliable in children in whom transynaptic degeneration occurs
A Horner's syndrome can be caused by a lesion anywhere along the three-neuron sympathetic (adrenergic) pathway that originates in the hypothalamus
High-yield sites of imaging can be identified based on accompanying signs and symptoms and/or the hydroxyamphetamine test