Rhinogenous optic neuritis, which causes neuropathy associated with visual dysfunction, greatly reduces patient quality of life and requires suitable early treatment. This study aimed to analyze visual outcome predictors in patients with rhinogenous optic neuritis and to develop and investigate the usefulness of an algorithm to facilitate early treatment. Prospective and retrospective investigations were conducted at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology. The visual outcomes after sinus surgery of 24 of 53 patients suspected of having rhinogenous optic neuritis were analyzed. Furthermore, the usefulness of the treatment algorithm was evaluated in 27 of these 53 patients. Data from 24 patients who underwent surgery were included in a multiple regression analysis to investigate the associations between visual outcomes and concomitant symptoms and the time from symptom onset to surgery. The mean time from the initial examination to a request for otorhinolaryngological examination to assess the usefulness of the treatment algorithm was compared in 27 patients who did not undergo an initial otorhinolaryngological examination. Visual acuity improved in 23 participants who underwent surgery. Multivariate analysis identified the time from onset to surgery and headache as significant predictors of postoperative visual acuity. The mean time from the initial examination to a request for otorhinolaryngological examination was significantly shorter after the algorithm was introduced (1.13 days, 8 patients; P = .008). Early surgical treatment is essential to avoid further postoperative visual acuity decreases in patients with rhinogenous optic neuritis. Patients who experience headache may have poorer postoperative outcomes.
Keywords: algorithm; headache; mucocele; optic neuritis; sinusitis; visual acuity.