Optıc neuropathy secondary to inflammation of sphenoidal sinuses and Onodi cell polyps: a case report

An inflammation or injury to optic nerve anywhere its pathway by extrinsic lesions causes the optic neuropathy. These lesions are more effective in confined spaces like optic canal, orbital apex. We present a 61 year old woman with optic neuropathy due to lesion in an Onodi cell. In this case patient presented with progressive loss of vision in her right eye within a few days. Computed tomography (CT) revealed mucosal thickening and inflammatory signs in right sphenoid sinus and presence of Onodi cell in that side. Magnetic Resonance Imaging confirmed compression to the optic nevre. Systemic antibioterapy and endoscopic sinus surgery was performed. Postoperatively, the visual acuity and control CT views were better than initial findings. Histopathologic evaluation revealed polyps in Onodi cell. Ophthalmologists should be aware of the Onodi cell pathologies that caused compressive optic neuropathy.