An interpretation of optic nerve tortuosity. A case report

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neurology
• Radiology

Background:

• Optic nerve tortuosity and abducens nerve palsy are often linked to idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
• Idiopathic intracranial hypertension typically presents with papilledema, visual loss, and headache.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a case of isolated optic nerve tortuosity and abducens nerve palsy.
• To explore potential causes of optic nerve tortuosity beyond idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

Main Methods:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to visualize the optic nerves.
• Clinical examination excluded signs of idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

Main Results:

• MRI revealed optic nerve tortuosity and kinking in a 64-year-old male patient.
• The patient presented with orbital pain and unilateral abducens nerve palsy.
• Signs of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, neurofibromatosis, and optic nerve glioma were absent.

Conclusions:

• Optic nerve tortuosity can occur in isolation, unrelated to idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
• Aberrant anatomical development may contribute to optic nerve tortuosity.
• Further research is needed to confirm this hypothesis.