Optic tract compression from dolichoectatic basilar artery
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Updated: Oct 5, 2026

Microvascular Decompression: Salient Surgical Principles and Technical Nuances
Published on: July 5, 2011
M F Guirgis1, B L Lam, S F Falcone
1Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Florida 33163, USA.
Purpose:
To report a case of optic tract compression caused by a dolichoectatic basilar artery.
Design:
Observational case report.
Methods:
A 74-year-old man with progressive loss of vision over 13 years and no other neurologic signs or symptoms was found to have bilateral optic nerve head pallor and a left homonymous hemianopia.
Results:
Magnetic resonance imaging and angiography revealed a severe dolichoectatic basilar artery compressing the right optic tract.
Conclusion:
Basilar artery dolichoectasia may rarely cause compression of the optic tract and progressive visual loss.
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