Splitting of the Optic Nerve by a Pituitary Macroadenoma.

BACKGROUND

Splitting of the optic nerve by a pituitary adenoma is an extremely unusual condition with only 3 cases reported to date.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 41-year-old woman presented with visual loss as a result of an aggressive pituitary macroadenoma causing the splitting of the right optic nerve. Possible mechanisms of this condition are discussed, and the literature is reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

In aneurysm and tumor cases, awareness of the exact anatomy is particularly important to preserve function. An overlooked duplication or penetration of cranial nerves may result in inadvertent injury to important structures and loss of function.