TURKISH JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS, cilt.64, sa.3, ss.592-598, 2022 (SCI-Expanded)
Background. Recurrent painful ophthalmologic neuropathy (RPON), formerly known as ophthalmoplegic
migraine, is characterized by repeated attacks of one or more ocular cranial nerve palsies with an ipsilateral
headache. While steroid therapy has been reported to be beneficial for attacks, no clear consensus on prophylactic
treatments exists. We present two cases emphasizing the diagnostic significance of the loss of enhancement
during the symptom-free period and valproate as a beneficial option in prophylaxis.
Case 1. A 4-year-old girl presented with a one-week right frontal headache, vomiting and photophobia.
Neurological examination revealed ptosis, oculomotor nerve paresis, and delay in light reflex in the right eye.
Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 5.5 mm nodular enhancement in the cisternal part of the
3rd cranial nerve in the right premesencephalic area. The enhancement regressed after a 6-month symptom-free
period. While propranolol, topiramate and flunarizine were inefficacious in prophylaxis, the patient responded
to valproate prophylaxis and benefited from the administration of steroids for one week during the attacks.
Case 2. A 7-year-old girl presented with a ten-day right-sided, throbbing headache in the frontal region, oneday eye deviation and double vision. Neurological examination revealed inward gaze restriction and ptosis in
the ipsilateral eye to the headache. Brain MRI revealed a 4.5 mm, enhancing, nodular lesion in the 3rd cranial
nerve lodge in the right perimesencephalic area. Her symptoms regressed in one week with dexamethasone
and she received prophylactic propranolol. Neuroimaging findings disappeared after a 3-month symptom-free
period. After valproate was added because of a relapse, she did not experience any further attacks.
Conclusions. RPON is an uncommon disease in childhood with unknown etiology. On brain MRI with contrast
during the symptom-free period, regression of the enhancement or complete resolution of the lesion are guiding
features in the diagnosis. Valproate may have beneficial effects on RPON treatment.