Diagnosis by stereotaxic biopsy of a malignant glioma of the optic pathway: Report of a case and review of the literature

Abstract

We present the case of a 55 y/o male patient that presented in a sudden and progressive manner, visual compromise and intraocular pain that culminated in bilateral amaurosis a month and a half latter. The initial diagnose was optic neuritis. The tomography and magnetic resonance of the brain put in evidence a thickening and enhancement of the chiasm and optic tracts. A stereotactic biopsy was performed using the Cosman- Roberts-Wells (CRWTM de Radionics©) stereotactic system, based on the presurgical topographic images. The calculations of the target were made using the software of stereotactic planification StereoCalc™ (Integra Radionics©). The histopathology study demonstrated that it was a malignant glioma (grade IV of the WHO). The literature is analyzed and the clinical case is discussed, putting in evidence that it is the first article that reports the diagnosis by stereotactic biopsy of a glioblastoma arising in the optic pathway. The prognosis is usually very poor. Generally, survival is lower than a year.