Spontaneous resolution of visual loss due to optic pathway meningioma: A case report and a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Meningiomas of the anterior cranial fossa are often diagnosed after impaired visual function occurrence. Some epidemiologic studies suggest an association between exogenous or endogenous hormones and meningioma risk. The aim of this study is to briefly review the literature and relate a case report.

PATIENT AND

METHODS

This study presents a case of a 51-year-old woman with a moderate visual loss of 6/10 and markedly constricted visual field in the right eye. A normal visual acuity and peripheral reduction of visual field in the left eye was documented. During medical interview, she reported a prolonged assumption of oral contraceptive. Her visual deterioration had progressed over the previous 3 months and was associated with occasional headache. MRI scanning showed a small optic pathway meningioma.

RESULTS

After various examinations, it was decided to 'wait and see' and no therapy was administered. The patient noticed a progressive improvement in the vision in her right eye, with corresponding improvement in the bilateral visual field.

CONCLUSION

The case reports on the spontaneous resolution of visual loss due to the volume reduction of the anterior visual pathway compressive intracranial meningioma after interruption of prolonged assumption of oral contraceptive and focuses on the correlation between sexual hormone pathway and intracranial meningioma.