Dural ectasia of the optic nerve sheath in neurofibromatosis type 1: CT and MR features.
OBJECTIVE
Optic nerve glioma is a common finding in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1). Although dural ectasia of the optic nerve is encountered rarely, it has to be considered in the differential diagnosis.


METHODS
Three patients affected by NF-1 were examined sequentially by CT and MRI.


RESULTS
Computed tomography demonstrated nonprogressing enlargement of the anterior optic pathways. Magnetic resonance imaging displayed widening of the perioptic dural sheath without any suggestion of tumor.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings are compatible with meningocele or dural ectasia of the optic nerve sheath. This entity represents a differential diagnosis to optic glioma in patients with NF-1.
Lövblad
K O
KO
Department of Neuroradiology, Inselspital, Bern, Swizerland.
Remonda
L
L
Ozdoba
C
C
Huber
P
P
Schroth
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003390:Cranial Nerve Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004108:Dilatation, Pathologic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005910:Glioma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009441:Neurilemma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D009456:Neurofibromatosis 1 / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000235:genetics; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000235:genetics; D011859:Radiography