Optic tract compression from dolichoectatic basilar artery

Am J Ophthalmol. 2001 Aug;132(2):283-6. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(01)00869-8.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of optic tract compression caused by a dolichoectatic basilar artery.

Design: Observational case report.

Methods: A 74-year-old man with progressive loss of vision over 13 years and no other neurologic signs or symptoms was found to have bilateral optic nerve head pallor and a left homonymous hemianopia.

Results: Magnetic resonance imaging and angiography revealed a severe dolichoectatic basilar artery compressing the right optic tract.

Conclusion: Basilar artery dolichoectasia may rarely cause compression of the optic tract and progressive visual loss.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Basilar Artery / pathology*
  • Hemianopsia / diagnosis
  • Hemianopsia / etiology
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / complications*
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / diagnosis
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / diagnosis
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / etiology*
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / diagnosis
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / etiology*
  • Visual Acuity
  • Visual Fields
  • Visual Pathways