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Orbital hydrocephalus: a proven cause for optic atrophy
R Towbin1, J Garcia-Revillo, C Fitz
1Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 3705 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
Pediatric Radiology
|January 9, 1999
Summary
A rare condition caused optic nerve sheath enlargement and blindness in a child. Early diagnosis with MRI may prevent vision loss, highlighting the need for radiologist awareness.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Bilateral optic nerve sheath enlargement can lead to progressive optic atrophy and blindness.
- Radiologic-pathologic correlation for this condition has been limited in previous literature.
Observation:
- A case of a 4-year-old boy with bilateral optic sheath enlargement, hydrocephalus, and optic atrophy is presented.
- Computed tomography revealed hydrocephalus and enlarged optic nerve sheath complex.
- Autopsy findings included a patulous perioptic subarachnoid space and optic atrophy.
Findings:
- The presented case lacked direct radiologic-pathologic correlation due to the patient's demise during a separate cardiac procedure.
- The autopsy confirmed findings consistent with optic nerve sheath abnormalities and optic atrophy.
Implications:
- Advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allow for prospective diagnosis of this condition.
- Radiologists' awareness of this entity is crucial for early diagnosis and potential prevention of blindness.
- Timely surgical intervention may be possible with improved diagnostic capabilities.