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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
06:09
Optic Nerve Sheath Point of Care Ultrasound: Image Acquisition
Published on: August 18, 2023
Presumed bilateral optic nerve sheath meningiomas presenting as optic neuritis
Raja A Sawaya1, Charif Sidani, Nadim Farah
1Department of Neurology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. rs01@aub.edu.lb
Summary
A man experienced sudden blurred vision and eye pain, diagnosed with bilateral optic neuropathy. This unusual case highlights optic nerve sheath meningiomas mimicking optic neuritis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Oncology
Background:
- Optic nerve sheath meningiomas (ONSM) are rare tumors arising from glial cells of the optic nerve sheath.
- They typically present with gradual vision loss, proptosis, and visual field defects, often in adults.
- Bilateral involvement is uncommon, and acute presentations are rare.
Observation:
- A 30-year-old male presented with acute blurred vision in the right eye and right periocular pain exacerbated by eye movement.
- Clinical examination revealed signs consistent with optic neuropathy.
- Neuroimaging demonstrated findings suggestive of bilateral optic nerve sheath meningiomas.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with bilateral optic neuropathy.
- Imaging confirmed the presence of bilateral optic nerve sheath meningiomas.
- The presentation was atypical for ONSM, mimicking optic neuritis.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering ONSM in the differential diagnosis of acute optic neuropathies, even with atypical presentations.
- It highlights the potential for ONSM to present acutely, mimicking inflammatory or demyelinating conditions like optic neuritis.
- Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and visual preservation in ONSM.
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