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Total blindness from presumed optic nerve melanocytoma
Jerry A Shields1, Carol L Shields, Hormoz Ehya
1Oncology Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, 840 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. jas.cls@comcast.net
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|June 15, 2005
Summary
Optic nerve melanocytoma can cause blindness. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) aided in diagnosing this rare condition in a young patient, guiding management despite visual loss.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Optic nerve melanocytoma is a rare, benign melanocytic tumor.
- It can present with vision loss, mimicking other optic neuropathies.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old African-American female presented with loss of light perception.
- Ophthalmic examination revealed a pigmented lesion on the optic disc.
Findings:
- Transvitreal fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was performed for diagnosis.
- Cytopathology showed features consistent with melanocytoma and melanophages, excluding melanoma.
- The patient is currently under observation without active treatment.
Implications:
- Optic nerve melanocytoma can lead to severe visual impairment, including total blindness.
- FNAB, despite limitations, is a valuable tool for diagnosing and managing optic nerve melanocytoma.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for patients with visual loss due to optic nerve tumors.