Incidental optochiasmatic cavernoma: Case report of an unusual finding on 3 Tesla MRI

Neuroradiol J. 2016 Aug;29(4):289-94. doi: 10.1177/1971400916648335. Epub 2016 May 4.

Abstract

Cavernoma is a vascular hamartoma, which represents 10-20% of all central nervous system vascular malformations. The majority (80%) of them are supratentorial, while involvement of the cranial nerves and the optic pathways is extremely rare. The main clinical presentation of optochiasmatic cavernomas consists of chiasmatic apoplexy, which is a neurosurgical emergency. Here, we report a case in which the finding was incidentally detected in a 49-year-old man. We describe the imaging characteristics of the lesion in such a rare location, highlighting the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (specifically 3 Tesla) in the management of asymptomatic patients.

Keywords: Optochiasmatic; cavernoma; incidental.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System / surgery
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Optic Chiasm / diagnostic imaging*
  • Optic Chiasm / pathology*
  • Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed