Abstract:

Aim: In carbon monoxide poisoning, hypoxia results in neuronal damage and death of brain cells. It is considered that cerebral edema occurs consequently, with an associated increase in intracranial pressure. The present study evaluates the presence of increased intracranial pressure using the measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter by ultrasonography in patients presenting with carbon monoxide poisoning. Material and Method: Twenty-eight patients diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning after presenting to the emergency department underwent the bilateral measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter by ultrasonography. In addition, the patient’s demographic data, laboratory results, stage of the poisoning, and optic nerve sheath diameters were recorded. Results: The median optic nerve sheath diameter on the right and left sides was greater than 5 mm. The optic nerve sheath diameter of the right and the left eye was significantly higher in patients with severe carbon monoxide poisoning than in those with moderate and mild poisoning. Conclusion: The optic nerve sheath diameter measurement can be used to evaluate increased intracranial pressure in patients with carbon monoxide poisoning.

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