AAP/AAPOS pediatric neuro-ophthalmology workshop: Avoiding disaster—lessons learned from difficult cases

Abstract

Difficult Cases, those patients we remember most vividly because of great success or tragic failure, frequently produce a disproportionately intense learning experience. This workshop will present pediatric neuro-ophthalmology case examples that significantly influenced each expert’s approach to a specific problem. The panel members will responds with ideas, differential diagnoses, diagnostic testing and treatment considerations at each stage of the presentations from history to conclusion. Each presenter will provide a short final summary statement with their personal “clinical pearls.” Pediatric ophthalmologists, general ophthalmologists, fellows and residents. Neuro-ophthalmology conditions are typically complex, frequently confusing and often require additional testing (MRI, CT, visual fields, VEP etc) for diagnosis and treatment direction. Incorrect or missed diagnoses can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Case presentations by experts in the field provide the closest learning experience to hands on management of a patient. Neuro-ophthalmology is a subspecialty area that lends itself to require frequent review and reinforcement of acquired information. The audience will learn an in depth approach to the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of a limited number of neuro-ophthalmology conditions. They will learn how to reduce misdiagnosis by working through the clinical problems with experts. Progressive case presentation with panel discussion/interaction at each stage of the case presentation from history to conclusion. Audience participation with question-and-answer and commentary will follow each case presentation. Difficult pediatric neurology cases will be presented. Diagnostic and treatment pitfalls will be examined. Strategies to prevent future mistakes will be highlighted.