Evidence of optic pathway gliomas after previously negative neuroimaging.

Abstract

The authors emphasize the potential for the development of anterior visual pathway gliomas, evidenced by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients who previously had normal neuroimaging studies. The clinic charts and CT and MRI scans were retrospectively reviewed for all patients evaluated at the neurofibromatosis clinic of one referral center over a period of 7 years. Patients with neuroimaging studies demonstrating anterior visual pathway gliomas who previously had normal scans were identified, and their cases are described in detail. A similar, previously reported series, from the pediatric literature, was also reviewed. Eight percent (28/360) of patients had CT or MRI scans revealing optic gliomas. Two of these patients had normal neuroimaging studies previously. A negative neuroimaging study in an NF1 patient does not exclude the future development of an optic glioma.