Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
Evaluating the Procedure for Performing Awake Cystometry in a Mouse Model
Published on: May 20, 2017
Reduced Vision in Children With Brain Tumours in Denmark-Prevalence, Severity, and Diagnostic Importance
C S K Schmidt1,2, R Mathiasen1,3, K S Weile4,5
1The Laboratory of Pediatric Oncology, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Insights
Reduced visual acuity (VA) is common in pediatric brain tumors, often appearing with other symptoms. Early detection requires collaboration between pediatricians and ophthalmologists for prompt neuroimaging.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neurology
Background:
- Reduced visual acuity (VA) is a potential indicator of serious underlying conditions in children.
- Primary brain tumors are a significant concern in pediatric populations, necessitating early diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence, severity, and diagnostic significance of reduced visual acuity (VA) in children diagnosed with primary brain tumors.
- To analyze the impact of reduced VA as an initial symptom on the total diagnostic interval (TDI).
Main Methods:
- A nationwide retrospective study was conducted in Denmark from 2007 to 2017.
- Included were all children under 18 diagnosed with primary brain tumors, identified via the Danish Childhood Cancer Registry.
- Data were collected through a review of patient records from hospitals and ophthalmologists.
Main Results:
- Reduced VA was found in 18.8% of children with primary brain tumors, serving as the initial sign in 12.6% of these cases.
- The median total diagnostic interval (TDI) was significantly longer when reduced VA was the initial symptom (206 days) compared to other initial signs (86 days).
- Optic disc abnormality was the most frequent accompanying ophthalmic sign (59.8%), with higher rates of monocular vision impairment in younger children.
Conclusions:
- Reduced visual acuity is a frequent finding in pediatric brain tumors, often co-occurring with other clinical signs.
- Effective diagnosis hinges on strong collaboration between pediatricians and ophthalmologists to recognize associated signs and facilitate timely neuroimaging.
Aim:
To investigate the prevalence, severity and diagnostic value of reduced visual acuity (VA) in children with primary brain tumours.
Methods:
All children (< 18 years) diagnosed with a primary brain tumour in Denmark during 2007-2017 were included in this nationwide retrospective study. The children were identified through the Danish Childhood Cancer Registry. Patient records from hospitals and private ophthalmologists were reviewed.
Results:
Reduced VA was observed in 18.8% (n = 87/464) of children with primary brain tumours and was the initial tumour sign in 12.6% (n = 11/87) of these cases. The median total diagnostic interval (TDI) for children whose initial tumour manifestation was reduced VA was 206 days (range: 46-718), whereas for those whose initial tumour sign was any other sign, the TDI was 86 days (range: 0-3000). Among children with reduced VA, 39.4% of those aged ≤ 6 years and 20.4% of those aged > 6 years had monocular vision impairment in their best-seeing eye. Optic disc abnormality (59.8%) was the most common accompanying ophthalmic tumour sign.
Conclusion:
Reduced VA was frequent in children with brain tumours and typically occurred alongside other tumour signs. Timely diagnosis relies on close collaboration between paediatricians and ophthalmologists to identify additional tumour signs and determine the need for prompt neuroimaging.
Related Concept Videos
01:20The Retinoblastoma Gene
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
01:20The Retinoblastoma Gene
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
01:22Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways