Microsurgical resection of a cavernous angioma that involves the optic pathway using a pterional approach: a case report and literature review

Br J Neurosurg. 2012 Dec;26(6):882-5. doi: 10.3109/02688697.2012.685820. Epub 2012 May 11.

Abstract

Cavernous angiomas affecting the optic pathway are rare. This report describes the case of a 12-year-old girl who presented with a 10-month history of right-sided blurred vision caused by a cavernous angioma affecting the right side of the optic chiasm. The computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated a hyperdense image with calcifications. T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a sellar mass with uneven isointensities and hyperintensities, while T2-weighted showing a heterogeneous signal, which was initially misdiagnosed as a craniopharyngioma. The patient underwent complete resection of the mass using a pterional approach, which rapidly decompresses and protects the optic nerve function, rather than conservative treatment or cranial irradiation. Postoperative histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of a cavernous angioma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Female
  • Hemangioma, Cavernous / pathology
  • Hemangioma, Cavernous / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Microsurgery / methods*
  • Neurosurgery / methods*
  • Optic Chiasm / pathology
  • Optic Chiasm / surgery*
  • Optic Nerve Neoplasms / pathology
  • Optic Nerve Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome