Pituitary Tuberculoma.

Tuberculosis rarely involves the hypothalamo-pituitary region and constitutes only 1% of the lesions involving the sellar and/or suprasellar region. Coleman and Meredith first reported pituitary tuberculosis in 1940, and only a handful of cases have been reported ever since. It may manifest as a chiasmal syndrome due to compression of the optic chiasm or as hypopituitarism due to pituitary destruction. It has a characteristic radiological appearance and can mimic a pituitary adenoma. Diagnostic procedures, such as trans-sphenoidal biopsy, are crucial for accurate diagnosis. We report a case of a 32-year male, who presented with complaints of headache and decreased visual acuity for the past 6 months. Eye examination revealed bitemporal hemianopsia. Brain MRI scan showed a mass in the sella with features suggestive of pituitary adenoma. Transcranial resection of the mass was performed; histopathology of the excised mass proved it to be a pituitary tuberculoma.

Extrinsic and intrinsic blood supply to the optic chiasm.

Although there have been many studies of the arterial cerebral blood supply, only seven have described the optic chiasm (OC) blood supply and their results are contradictory. The aim of this study was to analyze the extrinsic and intrinsic OC blood supply on cadaveric specimens using dissections and microcomputer tomography (Micro-CT). Thirteen human specimens were dissected and the internal or common carotid arteries were injected with red latex, China Ink with gelatin or barium sulfate. Three Micro-CTs were obtained to reveal the intrinsic blood supply to the OC. The superior hypophyseal arteries (SupHypA) (13/13) and posterior communicating artery (PCoA) (12/13) supplied the pial network on the inferior side of the OC. The first segment of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) (10/10), SupHypA (7/10), the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) (9/10), and PComA (1/10) supplied the pial network of its superior side. The intrinsic OC blood supply was divided into three networks (two lateral and one central). Capillaries entering the OC originated principally from the inferior pial network. The lateral network capillaries had the same orientation as the visual lateral pathways, but the central network was not correlated with the nasal fibers crossing into the OC. There was no anastomosis in the pial or intrinsic networks. Only SupHypA, PCoA, ACoA, and ACA were involved in the OC blood supply. Because there was no extrinsic or intrinsic anastomosis, all arteries should be preserved. Tumor compression of the inferior intrinsic arterial network could contribute to visual defects. Clin. Anat. 31:432-440, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The optic chiasm.

The optic chiasm is formed when the optic nerves come together in order to allow for the crossing of fibers from the nasal retina to the optic tract on the other side. This enables vision from one side of both the eyes to be appreciated by the occipital cortex of the opposite side. This review makes note of the embryology, anatomy and vascular supply of the optic chiasm, then discusses the clinical syndromes associated with chiasmal disease, and the diseases which commonly influence its function.

The optic chiasm.

In the first part of this chapter the anatomy and vascular supply of the chiasm are recounted, and the visual symptoms that may arise in chiasmal disease are noted. The neuro-ophthalmic signs, including the pattern of visual field defects, appearance of the optic disc, and various uncommon clinical accompaniments, are described. The second part deals with a comprehensive list of disease processes that may directly or indirectly affect the chiasm. These are divided into inflammatory disorders, including sarcoidosis, multiple sclerosis, and idiopathic chiasmitis; infective disorders, including tuberculosis; and a large section on tumors, including pituitary adenomas, cysts, and choristomas, malignant disorders, including germ cell tumors and glioma, and meningioma; and finally vascular disorders and compression due to hydrocephalus. In each case the clinical features and management of the disorder are noted, as well as the prognosis for visual improvement following treatment.

Indocyanine green videoangiography of optic cavernous angioma - case report - .

The intraoperative findings of an indocyanine green videoangiography (ICG-VAG) study of a cavernous angioma located in the optic chiasm are reported. A 23-year-old Japanese man suddenly developed visual field loss, and magnetic resonance imaging suggested the presence of a suprasellar tumor in contact with the optic chiasm. Preoperative angiography did not clearly show any tumor shadow. Right fronto-temporal craniotomy was performed, and an aggregation of blood vessels was seen on the right surface of the optic chiasm. Cavernous angioma was suspected. ICG-VAG was begun 22 seconds after the beginning of contrast agent infusion via a peripheral blood vessel. The lesion remained unstained, although the brain surface, an artery superior to the optic nerve, and veins were visualized. The cavernous angioma was resected following surface coagulation. ICG-VAG is currently being evaluated for future application in the differential diagnosis based on imaging findings, and the present case provides an important example of intraoperative ICG-VAG imaging of an unoperated cavernous angioma.

Microsurgical management of tuberculum sellae meningiomas by the frontolateral approach: surgical technique and visual outcome.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate visual outcome in patients with tuberculum sellae meningioma (TSM) treated microsurgically using the frontolateral or fronto-orbital approach and optic canal unroofing to resect tumor involvement of the optic canal. METHODS: Data from 67 patients with TSMs who underwent microsurgical treatment by a frontolateral approach (n=44) or fronto-orbital approach (n=23) between January 2002 and December 2008 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Change in visual function was evaluated as the main outcome. RESULTS: Total tumor resection was achieved in 62 of 67 cases (92.4%). Postoperative, visual acuity was improved in 87 eyes (64.9%) and unchanged in 39 eyes (29.1%), and the optic nerve was therefore preserved in 126 of 134 eyes (94.0%). Visual field deficits were improved or stable in 65 eyes, no patient experienced worsening of vision in both eyes. There was no mortality in our series. CONCLUSIONS: The frontolateral approach with microsurgical dissection of the Sylvian fissure provides quick access to TSMs, which can be resected safely and totally. Visual function is improved and neurological and ophthalmological morbidity is minimal. Optic nerve decompression by intradural clinoidectomy and optic canal unroofing is likely to increase the rate of reducing or eliminating preoperative visual symptoms.

Functional impairments caused by chiasma syndromes prior to and following transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma surgery.

PURPOSE: To describe the functional impairment caused by chiasma syndromes (CS) prior to and following transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma surgery. METHODS: Pertinent data of a successive series of patients operated transsphenoidally for the first time for pituitary adenoma were retrospectively analyzed. The degree of functional impairment caused by the impairment of vision was quantified according to the resulting degree of disability (DOD). A DOD of > or =30 is considered substantial. RESULTS: None of the 197 of 304 (64.9%) patients without preoperative chiasma syndrome (CS) experienced postoperative worsening of their visual acuity or their visual fields. Thus, no change of their vision-related DOD (V-DOD) did occur. One hundred and seven (35.1%) of the patients presented preoperatively with CS. Postoperatively, 42.9% of the CS remitted completely, 38.3% improved, 11.2% remained unchanged, and 7.4% worsened. Accordingly, the median V-DOD improved significantly from 30 (0; 100) to 0 (0; 100). The prevalence of patients with V-DOD > or =30 dropped significantly from 51.4% preoperatively to 16.4% postoperatively. Postoperatively, the median V-DOD improved significantly up to 3 months postoperatively. Thereafter, no further significant changes occurred. However, in patients with preoperative CS, the median V-DOD as well as the prevalence of patients with a V-DOD > or =30 remained postoperatively significantly higher compared to patients without preoperative CS. CONCLUSIONS: Visual impairments due to CS frequently caused substantial DOD preoperatively. Postoperatively, the median degree of V-DOD as well as the prevalence of substantial V-DOD improved significantly. However, in patients with preoperative CS, V-DOD remained postoperatively significantly higher than V-DOD of patients without preoperative CS.

59-year old female with suprasellar mass.

Intracranial capillary hemangiomas are extremely rare. Only 14 histologically proven cases have been reported in the literature. A 59-year-old-female presented with a severe headache for 3 weeks. Brain MRI revealed a homogeneous contrast enhancing round mass lesion in the pituitary stalk and infundibular recess. We performed endoscopic biopsy. In the operative field, a reddish, well-circumscribed mass from the infundibular recess protruded into the third ventricle and it was separated from the optic chiasm. The tumor appeared a highly vascular. Histopathological examination demonstrated an aggregation of thin-walled capillaries, consistent with capillary hemangioma.

[Intrachiasmal hematoma].

This case report describes 41-year-old female who suffered from progressive visual loss due to chiasmal apoplexy. Her neurological examination revealed bitemporal hemianopia without any pathological changes of optic disks. MRI showed round-shape, hyperintensive on T1WI and T2WI lesion inside the chiasm without enhancement after IV contrast administration. The lesion was suspicious of acute or subacute hemorrhage. MRI and CT scans revealed characteristic signs that supported the diagnosis of intrachiasmal hemorrhage. Surgery was performed via a pterional approach. Minimally invasive surgical intervention to chiasm allowed us to minimize the risk of further visual deterioration in postoperative period. Meta-analysis of publications highlights the various aspects of diagnosis and management of intrachiasmal hemorrhages.

Accurate course and relationships of the intraorbital part of the ophthalmic artery in the sagittal plane.

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge of variations in the course and distribution of the intraorbital part of ophthalmic artery (OA) is necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of anterior cranial and orbital disorders. MATERIAL: 38 human cadaver dissections to demonstrate the microsurgical anatomy of the intraorbital part of the OA were studied in three stages, considering its neighbourhood with the optic nerve in the sagittal plane. RESULTS: The first part of the OA was located on the inferolateral aspect of the optic nerve in 89.47%. The diameter and the length of the first part of the OA were 1.69+/-0.34 mm and 7.58+/-0.89 mm. 73.68% of the cases crossed the optic nerve superiorly, and 26.31% inferiorly. The diameter and length of the second part of the OA were as 1.52+/-0.29 mm and 4.12+/-0.85 mm. The diameter and length of the third part of the OA were 1.07+/-0.18 mm and 4.12+/-0.85 mm. The first branch of the intraorbital part of the OA was the central retinal artery in 26.31% of the specimens. CONCLUSION: A better understanding of the vascular anatomy of the orbit should allow for the modification of surgical techniques to reduce bleeding during biopsy or excision of orbital structures.

[Cavernous angioma of the second cranial nerve and chiasmatic apoplexy]. / Angioma cavernoso del segundo nervio craneal y apoplejía quiasmática.

We present the case of a female patient who developed chiasmatic apoplexy and menstrual alterations. CT scanning showed a suprasellar hemorrhage. She underwent surgery with the presumptive diagnosis of pituitary tumor. At surgery, we find a brown-grayish lesion involving left optic nerve and chiasm. Cavernous angioma was diagnosed by histopathology. Cavernous angiomas constitute nearly 15% of all central nervous system vascular malformations. Location at the optic pathway is very rare, but must to be ruled out in the diagnosis of a patient with chiasmatic and/or optic apoplexy. Surgery is useful in preventing worsening of the previous deficit or a new visual defect.

Giant intracranial aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery treated by direct surgery using A3-A3 side-to-side anastomosis and A3-RA graft-STA anastomosis.

We describe a giant aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) which was treated with a STA-RA graft-A3 bonnet bypass and A3-A3 side-to-side anastomosis. A giant and partially thrombosed ACoA aneurysm was partially coated 3 years before his current presentation, its gradual increase producing visual field disturbances. An A3-A3 side-to-side anastomosis and STA-RA graft-A3 bonnet bypass were performed. The aneurysm was dissected, and the thrombus removed under transient parent-artery occlusion. The aneurysmal neck was successfully clipped without encountering ischemic changes. This strategy may be useful for treating giant or thrombosed aneurysms in the region of the ACoA.

Delayed visual deterioration after pituitary surgery--a review introducing the concept of vascular compression of the optic pathways.

BACKGROUND: Delayed visual deterioration after pituitary surgery has been attributed to secondary empty sella syndrome and downward herniation of the optic nerves and chiasm, but the pathophysiological basis of this condition is still a matter of debate. REVIEW: According to the literature, prior radiation therapy, previous visual impairment and transcranial surgery constitute risk factors for delayed visual deterioration. Radiation-induced vascular changes and/or strangulation of the optic nerves or chiasm are thought to compromise local blood flow. Downward herniation of the optic pathways was present in the majority of cases, but did not correlate with visual symptoms and signs, while dense scarring of the chiasm was a reproducable finding in all surgically explored cases. Indentations in the upper margin of the optic nerves or chiasm caused by the A1 segments of the anterior cerebral arteries have been reported repeatedly. As perichiasmal scarring constitutes the most consistent finding, the intimate relationship between artery and nerve with consecutive pulsatile pressure may constitute a causative factor in delayed visual dysfunction after pituitary surgery. The authors therefore introduce the concept of vascular compression, which is illustrated with a personal case of a successful decompression procedure with teflon interposition between the A1 segment and the non-herniated optic nerve to treat visual loss eight months following removal of a hemorrhagic pituitary adenoma. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should be aware that surgical exploration via a transcranial approach is indicated in cases of progressive visual loss late after pituitary surgery, no matter whether downward displacement of the optic pathways is present on imaging studies or not. Special attention should be paid intra-operatively to the dissection of the intimate relationship between the anterior cerebral arteries and the optic nerves and chiasm.

Chiasmal apoplexy due to hemorrhage from a pituitary adenoma into the optic chiasm: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Chiasmal apoplexy, defined as hemorrhage into the optic chiasm, generally is caused by an intrachiasmal vascular malformation. We report the first case of chiasmal apoplexy due to hemorrhage from a pituitary macroadenoma into the optic chiasm. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 52-year-old man presented with headache, sudden and severe deterioration of visual acuity in the left eye, and a bitemporal visual field deficit. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large intra- and suprasellar homogeneously enhancing mass, which elevated a markedly thickened optic chiasm. After emergent transsphenoidal resection of the pituitary adenoma, vision did not improve. INTERVENTION: A pterional craniotomy was subsequently performed, during which a hematoma was found and evacuated from within the substance of the left optic nerve and chiasm. The hematoma cavity was found to communicate with the sella through a defect in the diaphragm. Vision improved dramatically after the operation. CONCLUSION: Chiasmal apoplexy resulting from pituitary adenoma should be distinguished from pituitary apoplexy, particularly because it requires a different surgical treatment. Clinical and radiographic features that may help distinguish the two are discussed.

Omental transplantation for Alzheimer's disease.

The acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin and other neurotransmitters may be reduced in the subcommissural regions even in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease(AD), due to hypoperfusion of the anterior perforating and anterior choroidal arteries. This hypothesis was confirmed after the transplant of omental tissue on the optic chiasma, carotid crotch and anterior perforated space in a woman with moderate AD. Neurological improvement was better in the first week after the surgery than in the following months.

Chiasmal cavernous malformation. A rare cause of acute visual loss.

A rare cause of acute visual loss due to a chiasmal cavernous malformation is presented. Acute visual loss was due to local hemorrhage and volume expansion of the cavernous malformation inside and outside of the optic chiasma. This unique location of cavernous malformation is associated with a risk of permanent loss of the vision. Cavernous malformations of optic chiasma should be carefully evaluated and considered for possible preventative surgical resection before it becomes symptomatic.

Infantile cerebral aneurysms with visual pathway compression.

Intracranial aneurysms are rare in infancy. The commonest presentation is intracranial hemorrhage, but signs of mass effect are more frequent than in adults. We report 2 infants with cerebral aneurysms, one presenting with macrocephaly and another with strabismus. Both had visual loss and optic disc pallor; MRI revealed a suprasellar mass and anterior visual pathway compression. In both cases, the preoperative diagnosis was craniopharyngioma. It is essential to recognize that, although exceedingly uncommon, cerebral aneurysms do occur in infants and have features that differ from those in adults.