[Expansive processes in the optic chiasm region]

81 patients with expansive lesion in the optic chiasm region were reviewed. Pituitary adenomas were diagnosed in 37 patients: 5 with acromegaly, 2 with prolactinoma and the remaining 30 with hormone inactive adenomas. Meningiomas were diagnosed in 39, craniopharyngiomas in 4 patients and chordoma in one patient. The most common symptom was visual disturbance in 86%, but headache, hormonal disturbance occurred as well. All patients with adenomas were endocrinologically evaluated after detailed ophthalmologic and neurologic examinations. 28 patients were transcranially operated, 5 transsfenoidally and transcranially and 4 only transfenoidally. After endocrinologic reevaluation all patients with adenomas had undergone postoperative radiotherapy. Tumor recurrence was diagnosed in 14 patients, while 6 patients underwent reoperation. The approach to surgical regimen depended on the size and localization of meningioma. Unilateral subfrontal approach was most frequent (35). Subtotal tumor ablation was performed in 5 (13%) patients. Craniopharyngiomas were diagnosed in 4 patients (2 adults and 2 children). Total tumor ablation was performed only in one case.