[Optochiasmal cavernoma: a rare cause of unilateral visual loss]

Optic pathways cavernomas are rare vascular hamartomas that can present either with an acute chiasmal syndrome or slowly progressive visual loss.

A 29-year-old patient presented with mild unilateral visual loss of rapid onset and monocular left temporal hemianopia. MRI disclosed a heterogenous enhancing optochiasmal lesion. Work-up found no evidence for an inflammatory, infectious or tumoral disease and therefore a neurosurgical approach of the lesion allowed diagnosis of cavernoma, confirmed by pathological examination. Successful resection resulted in partial recovery of the visual field.

Optochiasmal cavernomas are rare, removal can improve visual outcome.