RT Journal
A1 Newman NM, Levin PS
T1 TEsting the pupil in horner's syndrome
JF Archives of Neurology
JO Archives of Neurology
YR 1987
FD May 1
VO 44
IS 5
SP 471
OP 471
DO 10.1001/archneur.1987.00520170003001
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archneur.1987.00520170003001
AB To the Editor. 
    —In the February 1986 issue of the Archives, Stone et al1 convincingly documented a case of hypothalamic infarction caused by a Horner's syndrome that disrupted the preganglionic sympathetic pathway of the first-order neuron. They pointed out the importance of detecting a preganglionic lesion as a cause of Horner's syndrome (in contrast to the more common postganglionic lesion).To exclude postganglionic sympathetic pathway disruption, the authors used a direct-acting adrenergic agent (epinephrine hydrochloride diluted 1:1000) to test for denervation hypersensitivity of the iris sphincter muscle. This method of testing for postganglionic Horner's syndrome may result in inconclusive responses, as it is dependent on precise and equal doses reaching the iris sphincter.2 Thus it is affected by disruption of the corneal epithelial barrier3 (as may occur after testing corneal sensation and/or intraocular pressure, or from corneal exposure in patients having seventh cranial nerve palsy or decreased