Unilateral Central and Annular Scotoma Produced by Callus From Fracture Extending Into Optic Canal

In the past year an unusual ophthalmologic syndrome has been observed in two cases following a fracture along the base of the skull, although in both cases the fracture, which involved the optic canal, was not revealed by the roentgenogram. Ophthalmologic examination disclosed a normal condition in both cases during the patients' stay in the hospital, but within two months following the accident a change in visual acuity was noted in each case. On examination, central vision of the affected eye was found to be decreased, and the perimetric fields revealed an absolute central scotoma with a large, annular scotoma surrounding it. Explanation of the late occurrence of the ocular phenomena was difficult until roentgenograms of the optic foramen disclosed narrowing on the affected side. Fracture of the optic canal with narrowing of the optic foramen, such as was revealed by the roentgenograms, has been noted also by White,