Metastatic prostate cancer to the optic canal.
OBJECTIVE
Optic neuropathies represent a common cause of blindness among patients with cancer. The authors present the clinical and imaging findings and discuss the management of optic nerve involvement from metastatic prostate cancer to the optic canal.


METHODS
Five patients with advanced metastatic prostate cancer had visual loss. Neuro-ophthalmologic examination and pre- and post-gadolinium orbital and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed. Compressive optic neuropathy secondary to extensive optic canal involvement was demonstrated in all of the patients. Neuropathologic examination was accomplished in two cases. A combination of steroid and focal radiation therapy was used for treatment in four patients.


RESULTS
Imaging and neuropathologic findings demonstrated a compressive optic neuropathy secondary to both epidural metastases and to deformity and hypertrophy of the optic canal due to metastatic cancer. Treatment was of benefit in three cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Acute and subacute unilateral or bilateral optic neuropathy in patients with prostate cancer may be the result of optic canal metastases. Magnetic resonance imaging shows a characteristic pattern of bone hypertrophy and deformity with optic nerve compression. Early combination steroid and radiation therapy may induce long-lasting improvement.
Kattah
J C
JC
Department of Neurology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC.
Chrousos
G C
GC
Roberts
J
J
Kolsky
M
M
Zimmerman
L
L
Manz
H
H
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001766:Blindness / Q000473:pathology; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000556:secondary*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003390:Cranial Nerve Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000556:secondary*; D005682:Gadolinium; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D009915:Orbit / Q000473:pathology; D010211:Papilledema / Q000473:pathology; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*
D005682:Gadolinium; D008775:Methylprednisolone