The optic nerve: radiologic, clinical, and pathologic evaluation

Gliomas of the Optic Nerve: A SEER-Based Epidemiologic Study

BACKGROUND

To determine whether patients with biopsy-confirmed optic nerve glioma differ in clinical features and outcomes from those diagnosed by neuroradiologic imaging alone.

METHODS

Retrospective comparative analysis. Pilocytic astrocytomas (PAs) and gliomas of the optic nerve were identified through ICD-O codes in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registry from 1975 through 2017. Demographics, clinical features, and outcomes were compared according to the method of diagnosis (biopsy-confirmed and radiologic only) and by age (birth through 19 years and 20 years of age and older). Differences in proportions were tested with the chi-square test. Associations with tumor-related death were evaluated with logistic regression. Statistical significance: α < 0.01.

RESULTS

Over 42 years, 313 PAs and 720 gliomas of the optic nerve were identified. The young age distributions were similar between the 2 groups. PAs were biopsied more often than gliomas (54% vs 13.2% [ P < 0.001]). Tumor-attributable death occurred more often among PAs and gliomas that were biopsied than those that were not (7.1% vs 0.7% [ P < 0.01]; 7.4% vs 1.1% [ P < 0.01], respectively). Roughly 15% of both PAs and gliomas were diagnosed in persons 20 years and older.

CONCLUSIONS

Biopsy-confirmed cases of PA and glioma of the optic nerve were associated with more therapeutic interventions and worse outcomes compared with patients who were diagnosed radiologically. Clinical variables relevant to clinical decision-making not captured by SEER likely explain the inability to meaningfully interpret outcome from the registry database. Cancer registries should avoid coding specific histopathologic diagnoses when tissue is not obtained.

Diagnostic imaging in neuro-ophthalmology

Neuro-ophthalmology is a field combining neurology and ophthalmology that studies diseases that affect the visual system and the mechanisms that control eye movement and pupil function. Imaging tests make it possible to thoroughly assess the relevant anatomy and disease of the structures that make up the visual pathway, the nerves that control eye and pupil movement, and the orbital structures themselves. This article is divided into three sections (review of the anatomy, appropriate imaging techniques, and evaluation of disease according to clinical symptoms), with the aim of providing useful tools that will enable radiologists to choose the best imaging technique for the differential diagnosis of patients' problems to reach the correct diagnosis of their disease.

Optic nerve lymphoma: report of two cases and review of the literature

Lymphoma may involve the optic nerve as isolated optic nerve lymphoma or in association with central nervous system (CNS) or systemic lymphoma. We present two biopsy-proven non-Hodgkin lymphomas of the optic nerve and compare our findings with previously reported cases. We discuss the mechanism of metastasis, classification of optic nerve involvement, clinical features, radiologic findings, optic nerve biopsy indications and techniques, histologic features, and treatments. We propose a classification system of optic nerve lymphoma: isolated optic nerve involvement, optic nerve involvement with CNS disease, optic nerve involvement with systemic disease, and optic nerve involvement with primary intraocular lymphoma. Although it is an uncommon cause of infiltrative optic neuropathy, optic nerve metastasis should be considered in patients with a history of lymphoma. The recommended approach to a patient with presumed optic nerve lymphoma includes neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid evaluation as part of the initial workup, then judicious use of optic nerve biopsy, depending on the clinical situation.

Optic Nerve Sheath Meningocele: A Case Report

Isolated optic nerve sheath meningocele is a rare affection defined as the cystic enlargement of the optic nerve sheath filled with cerebrospinal fluid. We report the case of a 39-year-old woman presenting with bilateral meningocele uncovered during a routine examination for headache complaints. A 5-year follow-up validated the lesion's clinical and imaging stability. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an essential tool in the diagnosis of this pathology, alongside characteristic symptoms indicating that the meningocele might have progressively expanded into the orbit. In this case we present a therapeutic approach based on pathophysiological hypotheses and review of the literature.