title: Langerhans cell histiocytosis causing acute optic neuropathy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) arising from the skull base is a rare acute optic neuropathy cause. We describe a clinical approach for the purpose of optic nerve decompression and simultaneous lesion excision. This is the first case of visual improvement following decompression operation via endoscopic endonasal approach for acute optic neuropathy that is produced by LCH.
  
  
  METHODS
  An 11-year-old boy presented with a 2-week history of visual deterioration. Radiological evidence of compressive optic neuropathy by an expansile soft tissue mass around the optic canal was observed. The patient underwent an endoscopic endonasal optic nerve decompression and subtotal tumor removal.
  
  
  RESULTS
  His visual impairment improved dramatically after the operation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Acute optic neuropathy can be elicited by LCH arising in the sphenoid-ethmoid bone. Early decompression is the key to vision salvage. An endoscopic endonasal approach may be a good therapeutic option in this situation.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, 110-744, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jin Woo
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Bae
authors.forename: Yong Hwy
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Seung-Ki
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Kyu-Chang
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Hee-Young
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.forename: Hyoung Jin
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.forename: Sung-Hye
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Ji Hoon
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Phi
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D006646:Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery