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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
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Optic Nerve Sheath Point of Care Ultrasound: Image Acquisition
Published on: August 18, 2023
Diagnostic pitfall: optic neuritis mimicking optic nerve glioma
Markus Bergmann1, Wolfgang Brück, Uwe Neubauer
1Department of Neuropathology, Klinikum Bremen-Mitte, Bremen, Germany. markus.bergmann@klinikum-bremen-mitte.de
Summary
Optic neuritis with optic nerve enlargement on MRI can mimic tumors. This led to an incorrect diagnosis and optic nerve resection in a critical case.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Neuroradiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve.
- Optic nerve enlargement on MRI can indicate various pathologies, including tumors.
Observation:
- A case presented with optic neuritis and MRI-detected optic nerve enlargement.
- The neuroradiological findings were suggestive of an optic nerve tumor.
Findings:
- An inconclusive intraoperative frozen section contributed to a misdiagnosis.
- The patient received an incorrect tentative diagnosis of optic nerve glioma.
Implications:
- Misdiagnosis led to the fatal resection of the optic nerve.
- Highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis in optic nerve pathologies.
- Emphasizes the need for advanced diagnostic techniques to differentiate optic neuritis from tumors.
