Delayed visual evoked potentials with bilateral disease of the posterior visual pathway

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Neurology
• Neuroimaging

Background:

• Brain tumors can present with diverse neurological deficits.
• The corpus callosum is a critical white matter structure connecting cerebral hemispheres.
• Astrocytomas are primary glial tumors of the brain.

Observation:

• A 51-year-old male presented with acute confusional state and severe visual decline.
• Computed tomography revealed a mass in the corpus callosum extending to both cerebral hemispheres.
• Visual evoked potentials showed a significant delay, indicating compromised visual pathway function.

Findings:

• Autopsy confirmed a corpus callosum astrocytoma.
• The tumor infiltrated the optic radiation and bilateral occipital cortex.
• The anterior visual pathways remained unaffected.

Implications:

• Corpus callosum astrocytomas can cause profound visual and cognitive impairment.
• Early detection and understanding of tumor spread are crucial for patient outcomes.
• This case highlights the importance of neuroimaging and electrophysiology in diagnosing brain tumors affecting visual pathways.