Optic nerve meningioma: A case for expectant therapy

Abstract

The authors review their experience with eight patients with optic nerve sheath meningioma. Four of these patients were followed with regular neuro-ophthalmic examination, including serial CAT scanning over a three-year period, and demonstrated a totally indolent course.

The precision, sensitivity and specificity of orbital CT scanning enables the clinician to diagnose and follow these tumors, making conservative therapy preferable to surgery. The latter should be reserved for very young patients, for those with impairment of visual function or ocular motility, for rubeosis and glaucoma caused by advanced tumor, and in patients with apical meningiomas with questionable intracranial extension.

Key Words:

• optic nerve sheath meningioma
• surgery
• radiotherapy