Meningeal carcinomatosis with blindness

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Ophthalmology
• Pathology

Background:

• Meningeal carcinomatosis is the spread of cancer to the meninges.
• Pulmonary adenocarcinoma is a common type of lung cancer.

Observation:

• A 53-year-old man presented with bilateral blindness.
• The blindness was attributed to meningeal carcinomatosis originating from pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

Findings:

• Histopathology revealed extensive arachnoid infiltration of the optic nerves and chiasm.
• Minimal direct invasion of the optic nerve tissue itself was observed.
• Visual pathways in the cerebral cortex remained unaffected.

Implications:

• This case highlights the vulnerability of the optic nerves and chiasm to meningeal carcinomatosis.
• Understanding the pattern of spread is crucial for diagnosing and managing visual deficits in cancer patients.