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Visual loss and a suprasellar mass complicated by pregnancy
L A Shutter1, L B Kline, W S Fisher
1Department of Neurology, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham.
Survey of Ophthalmology
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Pregnancy complicated a woman's vision loss due to intracranial aneurysms compressing her optic nerve. Early surgery successfully treated the condition, mitigating risks associated with aneurysm enlargement during gestation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Intracranial aneurysms can present with visual disturbances, particularly when compressing neural structures like the optic nerve.
- Pregnancy is associated with physiological changes that may influence aneurysm behavior and rupture risk.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old pregnant woman at 12 weeks gestation experienced progressive right-eye vision loss.
- Neuroimaging identified multiple intracranial aneurysms, with one impinging on the right optic nerve.
Findings:
- The patient's pregnancy introduced complex management challenges.
- Evidence indicated aneurysm enlargement and a heightened risk of rupture as pregnancy advanced.
Implications:
- Prompt surgical intervention was necessary to preserve vision and prevent catastrophic hemorrhage.
- This case highlights the critical need for multidisciplinary management of intracranial aneurysms in pregnant patients.
- Successful surgical treatment underscores the feasibility of intervention despite gestational complications.