Neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of the phakomatoses

Optic Nerve Sheath Meningiomas: A National Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Database Analysis

BACKGROUND

Optic nerve sheath meningioma (ONSM) is a rare optic nerve cancer with considerable morbidity. This national analysis validates previously known ONSM concepts while providing insight into novel risk factors.

METHODS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program was queried from 2000 to 2019 for all histologic subtypes of meningioma primary to the optic nerve. Relevant clinical and demographic variables were analyzed. Asymptotic one-sample test for binomial proportions and Cox proportional hazards modeling evaluated the significance of factor associations.

RESULTS

A total of 51 ONSM cases were extracted. A greater proportion of cases were observed in females (N = 37, 73%, P < 0.001) and individuals with age 50 years or more (N = 29, 57%, P < 0.001); the mean number of months from diagnosis to treatment was 4.6 months (SD 4.1, range 13). Psychosocial epidemiologic parameter analysis demonstrated a greater proportion of patients with married status on diagnosis (N = 31, 61%, P < 0.001), listed total family income between $55,000 and $74,999 (N = 24, 47%, P < 0.001). Relative to cases diagnosed clinically only, cases diagnosed radiologically without microscopic confirmation experienced decreased all-cause mortality (HR = 0.041, P = 0.050).

CONCLUSIONS

Our SEER national analysis affirms previously characterized ONSM concepts. Upon ONSM diagnosis and if needed, treatment protocols are not significantly delayed. Novel psychosocial factors for ONSM were identified, including marital status, total family income, and non-Hispanic white race. Additional ONSM diagnostics may reduce longitudinal mortality burden.

Conjunctival Marginal Zone Lymphoma in a Patient With Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Case Report

We present a case of painless bulbar conjunctival mass due to B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), without systemic involvement, in a 76-year-old man. Following an excision biopsy, histopathologic examination and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis, prompting a referral for hemato-oncological assessment. The patient underwent comprehensive laboratory and imaging scans, subsequently receiving combined chemo-immunotherapy that resulted in complete remission to date. This case is reported as it is crucial to recognize that a conjunctival insult might emerge in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients.

Alterations in resting-state functional connectivity in pediatric patients with tuberous sclerosis complex

Objective

To investigate resting‐state functional connectivity (FC) in pediatric patients with tuberous sclerosis complex and intractable epilepsy requiring surgery.

Methods

Resting‐state functional MRI was utilized to investigate functional connectivity in 13 pediatric patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and intractable epilepsy requiring surgery.

Results

The majority of patients demonstrated a resting‐state network architecture similar to those reported in healthy individuals. However, preoperative differences were evident between patients with high versus low tuber burden, as well as those with good versus poor neurodevelopmental outcomes, most notably in the cingulo‐opercular and visual resting‐state networks. One patient with high tuber burden and poor preoperative development and seizure control had nearly normal development and seizure resolution after surgery. This was accompanied by significant improvement in resting‐state network architecture just one day postoperatively.

Significance

Although many patients with tuberous sclerosis complex and medically refractory epilepsy demonstrate functional connectivity patterns similar to healthy children, relationships within and between RSNs demonstrate clear differences in patients with higher tuber burden and worse outcomes. Improvements in resting‐state network organization postoperatively may be related to epilepsy surgery outcomes, providing candidate biomarkers for clinical management in this high‐risk population.

Corneal endothelial cells and central corneal thickness in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological properties of corneal endothelial cells and central corneal thickness (CCT) in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and to compare them with age-matched healthy controls.

Methods:

Nineteen NF1 patients and 38 healthy individuals were recruited. All participants underwent complete ophthalmological examination as well as noncontact specular microscopy to measure endothelial cell density (ECD), average cell area (AVG), coefficient of variation of cell area (CV), the percentage of hexagonal cells, and CCT. Eyes with previous ocular trauma, inflammation or surgery, and preexisting corneal and ocular surface diseases were excluded.

Results:

NF1 patients had higher ECD compared to healthy controls of the same age (2764.2 ± 270.4 versus 2570.4 ± 449.2 cells/mm, respectively), although at a borderline level (P = 0.051). Patients with NF1 presented significantly lower CV and AVG when compared to controls (32.9 ± 4.6 versus 37.8 ± 9.5%, P = 0.011 and 364.9 ± 34.4 versus 406.0 ± 107.4 µm, P = 0.038, respectively). The NF1 group had significantly higher hexagonality in comparison with controls (55.7 ± 6.5 versus 50.5 ± 9.9%, P = 0.025). CCT was similar between the two groups (P = 0.955).

Conclusion:

Our results show that corneal endothelium has more favorable morphological characteristics in NF1 patients compared to healthy individuals of the same age.

Optic nerve sheath meningioma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Optic nerve sheath meningiomas (ONSMs) are rare benign tumors of the anterior visual pathway which present with slowly progressive and painless vision loss and account for approximately 2% of all orbital tumors. This article provides an overview as well as an update on the ONSMs with regards to cause, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management in adults and pediatric population.

RECENT FINDINGS

The clinical presentation and prognosis of ONSMs can vary and largely depend on the location of tumor as well as the histologic type. Overall, the diagnosis is based on clinical presentation, examination, and neuroimaging findings. Nevertheless, delays in diagnosis or misdiagnosis are not uncommon and can result in higher morbidity rates. Recent advances in diagnostic as well as more effective and less-invasive treatment options are discussed in this review.

SUMMARY

ONSMs are a rare cause of slowly progressive and inexorable visual loss. Although ONSM diagnosis depends on the characteristic clinical and radiologic findings, prompt diagnosis, and appropriate management is critical for favorable visual outcomes. Thus, current focus is optimizing diagnostic as well-treatment methods for patients with ONSMs.

Retinal manifestations of the neurocutaneous disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The neurocutaneous disorders are a genetically and phenotypically diverse group of congenital syndromes characterized by cutaneous, ocular, and central nervous system manifestations. This review provides an overview of the clinical features and retinal findings in selected neurocutaneous disorders.

RECENT FINDINGS

Advances in genetics and diagnostic retinal and neuroimaging allow for the recognition of retinal features of common neurocutaneous syndromes and for improved characterization of rarer entities based on previously underdiagnosed or unrecognized retinal findings.

SUMMARY

Better characterization of the neurocutaneous disorders allows for earlier recognition and the potential for expeditious vision-saving and life-saving treatment.