Variation in the Anatomy of the Normal Human Optic Chiasm: An MRI Study

Compression of the optic chiasm typically leads to bitemporal hemianopia. This implies that decussating nasal fibers are selectively affected, but the precise mechanism is unclear. Stress on nasal fibers has been investigated using finite element modeling but requires accurate anatomical data to generate a meaningful output. The precise shape of the chiasm is unclear: A recent photomicrographic study suggested that nasal fibers decussate paracentrally and run parallel to each other in the central arm of an "H." This study aimed to determine the population variation in chiasmal shape to inform future models.

Sequential MRI scans of 68 healthy individuals were selected. 2D images of each chiasm were created and analyzed to determine the angle of elevation of the chiasm, the width of the chiasm, and the offset between the points of intersection of lines drawn down the centers of the optic nerves and contralateral optic tracts.

The mean width of the chiasm was 12.0 ± 1.5 mm (SD), and the mean offset was 4.7 ± 1.4 mm generating a mean offset:width ratio of 0.38 ± 0.09. No chiasm had an offset of zero. The mean incident angle of optic nerves was 56 ± 7°, and for optic tracts, it was 51 ± 7°.

The human optic chiasm is "H" shaped, not "X" shaped. The findings are consistent with nasal fibers decussating an average of 2.4 mm lateral to the midline before travelling in parallel across the midline. This information will inform future models of chiasmal compression.