Optic nerve head problem

Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis With Optic Nerve Metastasis Secondary to Breast Cancer

Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LC) and optic nerve metastasis are uncommon occurrences in breast cancer. We report a rare case of LC with optic nerve infiltration secondary to breast cancer. A 45-year-old lady who was a known case of treated right breast carcinoma six years ago presented with a blurring of vision in both eyes, floaters, and diplopia for one month. She also had recurrent attacks of seizure-like episodes, headache, and vomiting. Examination revealed high blood pressure with tachycardia. Her right eye visual acuity was counting fingers at two feet and 6/36 in the left eye. She had right abducens nerve palsy. Fundoscopy showed bilateral optic disc swelling with pre-retinal, flame-shaped haemorrhages and macular oedema. CT scan of brain and orbit was normal. She was admitted for further investigations. While in the ward, her vision deteriorated further. Her visual acuity in both eyes was at the level of no perception to light. She also developed bilateral abducens nerve palsy and right facial nerve palsy. Subsequently, she started having bilateral hearing loss. There were few episodes of fluctuations in conscious awareness. MRI brain showed mild hydrocephalus. Both optic nerves were thickened and enhanced on T1-weighted and post-gadolinium. Lumbar puncture was performed. There was high opening pressure. Cerebrospinal fluid cytology showed the presence of malignant cells. Family members opted for palliative care in view of poor prognosis. Unfortunately, she succumbed after a month's stay in hospital. Diagnosis of LC and optic nerve infiltration presents a formidable challenge to clinicians especially in the early stages where neuroimaging appears normal and lumbar puncture has high false negatives. Multiple high-volume taps are advised if clinical suspicion of LC is high.

Metastatic breast carcinoma involving the optic disc

Purpose

To report a rare case of unilateral optic nerve metastasis without choroidal involvement in a patient with known metastatic carcinoma of the breast.

Observations

A 65-year old female with a history of metastatic breast carcinoma presented to our clinic with a one-month history of blurred vision and floaters of the left eye. Fundoscopy of the left eye revealed a flesh colored nodule with white lobules demonstrating an endophytic growth pattern from the optic nerve. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and orbits revealed multiple intraparenchymal enhancing lesions, leptomeningeal enhancement, and enhancement of the left optic disc and proximal optic nerve all consistent with metastatic disease. The diffuse cranial disease was treated with whole brain radiation leading to regression of the optic nerve lesion and stabilization of visual acuity.

Conclusions and Importance

Intraocular metastases are the most common malignant tumor of the eye. Prompt identification and treatment of intraocular metastases is vital to prevent severe visual loss. Here, we document an unusual case of optic disc metastasis with unique fundoscopic features.