[Maxillary cyst of dental origin with uncommon ocular complication]

A 23-year-old woman was referred for decreased vision and central scotoma. Fundus examination disclosed unilateral acute oedematous optic neuritis. A nasolabial cyst was diagnosed, probably of dental origin, because numerous apical granuloma were noticed. The abscess did not produce any fistula which explained the absence of clinical and radiological dental sinusitis. Treatment included excision of the nasolabial cyst and systemic antibiotics. The prognosis was excellent with recovery of a normal visual acuity and normal fundus appearance. There was no evidence of any recurrent episode. The nasolabial cyst was the cause likely of the neuritis. Nevertheless, multiple sclerosis must be considered. Only long-term absence of neurological signs could prove that the maxillary lesion was directly responsible for the optic disorder.