Skull Base 2005; 15(1): 83-86
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-868165
CASE REPORT

Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Case Report: Optic Disc Edema without Hydrocephalus in Acoustic Neuroma

Joseph Grainger1 , Palitha S. Dias1
  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Royal Infirmary, Stoke-on-Trent, Great Britain, United Kingdom
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
14 April 2005 (online)

Traditionally, visual disturbance and optic disc edema are regarded as late manifestations of acoustic neuromas indicating increased intracranial pressure as a result of obstructive hydrocephalus or a sizeable mass lesion. We report the case of a 56-year-old man who presented with visual disturbance and bilateral optic disc edema. Classic features of hydrocephalus were absent. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large acoustic neuroma. However, there was no ventriculomegaly and at surgery intracranial pressure was normal. We suggest that cerebrospinal fluid protein may have a role in the formation of optic disc edema through a normal pressure communicating type of hydrocephalus. Furthermore, patients with acoustic neuromas and a visual disturbance related to optic disc edema may be inappropriate for treatment with stereotactic radiosurgery and should be offered early surgery to prevent visual deterioration

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Palitha S DiasF.R.C.S. 

Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Royal Infirmary

Princes Road, Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent

ST4 7LN, Great Britain, United Kingdom

Email: Palitha.Dias@uhns.nhs.uk