Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Eye Pathology pp 233–264Cite as

Optic Nerve

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

Abstract

Pathologists will encounter optic nerve tissue when evaluating enucleation specimens and exenteration specimens and when the eyes are removed for postmortem examination. Optic nerve biopsies are not common, but do occasionally occur. A wide variety of pathology can involve the optic nerve within the spectrum of congenital, inflammatory, degenerative, and neoplastic disorders; therefore, familiarity with the subject is necessary. The majority of this chapter is devoted to tumors involving the optic nerve, which are the specimens most likely to be encountered at the surgical pathology bench. This chapter serves as a practical guide to some of the most frequently encountered abnormalities of the optic nerve.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Rao NA, Spencer WH. Optic nerve. In: Spencer WH, editor. Ophthalmic pathology. An atlas and textbook. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company; 1996. p. 513–622.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Klintworth GK, Cummings TJ. The optic nerve. Chapter 13: Normal eye and ocular adnexa. In: Mills S, editor. Histology for pathologists. 4th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2012.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Yanoff M, Fine BS. Normal anatomy in Chapter 13: Optic nerve. From: Ocular pathology, 5th ed. Philadelphia: Mosby; 2002.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Merz B. Eye disease linked to mitochondrial defect. JAMA. 1988;19:260–894.

    Google Scholar 

  5. La Russa A, Cittadella R, Andreoli V, Valentino P, Trecroci F, Caracciolo M, Gallo O, Gambardella A, Quattrone A. Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy associated with a multiple sclerosis-like picture in a man. Mult Scler. 2011;17:763–6.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Mohindra S, Mohindra S, Gupta R, Bakshi J, Gupta SK. Rhinocerebral mucormycosis: the disease spectrum in 27 patients. Mycoses. 2007;50:290–6.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Ibrahim AS, Spellberg B, Walsh TJ, Kontoyiannis DP. Pathogenesis of mucormycosis. Clin Infect Dis. 2012;54:S16–22.

    CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Petrikkos G, Skiada A, Lortholary O, Roilides E, Walsh TJ, Kontoyiannis DP. Epidemiology and clinical manifestations of mucormycosis. Clin Infect Dis. 2012;54:S23–34.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Marthur S, Karimi A, Mafee MF. Acute optic nerve infarction demonstrated by diffusion-weighted imaging in a case of rhinocerebral mucormycosis. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2007;28:489–90.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Alsuhaibani AH, Al-Thubaiti G, Al Badr FB. Optic nerve thickening and infarction as the first evidence of orbital involvement with mucormycosis. Middle East Afr J Ophthalmol. 2012;19:340–2.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. McDonnell PJ. Ocular manifestations of temporal arteritis. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 1990;1:158.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Schmidt D, Löffler KU. Temporal arteritis: comparison of histologic and clinical findings. Acta Ophthalmol. 1994;72:319–25.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Henkind P, Charles NC, Pearson J. Histopathology of ischemic optic neuropathy. Am J Ophthalmol. 1970;69:78–90.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Brass SD, Zivadinov R, Bakshi R. Acute demyelinating optic neuritis: a review. Front Biosci. 2008;13:2376–90.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Chan JW. Optic neuritis in multiple sclerosis. Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2002;10:161–86.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. van der Valk P, de Groot CJ. Staging of multiple sclerosis [MS] lesions: pathology of the time frame of MS. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol. 2000;26:2–10.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. van der Valk P, Amor S. Preactive lesions in multiple sclerosis. Curr Opin Neurol. 2009;22:207–13.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Ratelade J, Verkman AS. Neuromyelitis optica: aquaporin-4 based pathogenesis mechanisms and new therapies. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2012;44:1519–30.

    CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Duke-Elder S. Tumours of the optic nerve and its sheaths. In: Duke-Elder S, editor. System of ophthalmology. St. Louis: The C.V. Mosby Company; 1976. p. 229–68.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Davis FA. Primary tumors of the optic nerve (a phenomenon of Recklinghausen’s disease): a clinical and pathological study with a report of five cases and a review of the literature. Arch Ophthalmol. 1940;23:957–1022.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Hudson AC. Primary tumors of the optic nerve. R Lond Ophthalmol Hosp Rep. 1912;18:317–27.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Verhoeff FH. Primary intraneural tumors (gliomas) of the optic nerve. Arch Ophthalmol. 1922;51:120–40.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Martin P, Cushing H. Primary gliomas of the chiasm and optic nerves in their intracranial portion. Arch Ophthalmol. 1923;52:209–41.

    Google Scholar 

  24. Dutton JJ. Optic nerve gliomas and meningiomas. Neurol Clin. 1991;9(1):163–77.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Hollander MD, FitzPatrick M, O’Connor SG, Flanders AE, Tartaglino LM. Optic gliomas. Radiol Clin N Am. 1999;37(1):59–71.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Listernick R, Louis DN, Packer RJ, Gutmann DH. Optic pathway gliomas in children with neurofibromatosis 1: consensus statement from the NF1 optic pathway glioma task force. Ann Neurol. 1997;41(2):143–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Lynch TM, Gutmann DH. Neurofibromatosis 1. Neurol Clin. 2002;20(3):841–65.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Eggers H, Jakobiec FA, Jones IS. Tumors of the optic nerve. Doc Ophthalmol. 1976;41(1):43–128.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Dutton JJ. Gliomas of the anterior visual pathway. Surv Ophthalmol. 1994;38(5):427–52.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Khafaga Y, Hassounah M, Kandil A, Kanaan I, Allam A, El Husseiny G, et al. Optic gliomas: a retrospective analysis of 50 cases. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2003;56(3):807–12.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Nomura S, Suzuki R, Sugiyama S, Nogami K, Ito H. Optic glioma with characteristic bilateral optic atrophy in a 3-year-old girl. Pediatr Neurosurg. 1999;31(4):213–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Hoyt WF, Meshel LG, Lessell S, Schatz NJ, Suckling RD. Malignant optic glioma of adulthood. Brain. 1973;96(1):121–32.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Shapiro SK, Shapiro I, Wirtschafter JD, Mastri AR. Malignant optic glioma in an adult: initial CT abnormality limited to the posterior orbit, leptomeningeal seeding of the tumor. Minn Med. 1982;65(3):155–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Murphy M, Timms C, McKelvie P, Dowling A, Trost N. Malignant optic nerve glioma: metastases to the spinal neuraxis. Case illustration. J Neurosurg. 2003;98(1 Suppl):110.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Cirak B, Unal O, Arslan H, Cinal A. Chiasmatic glioblastoma of childhood. A case report. Acta Radiol. 2000;41(4):375–6.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Wilson WB, Feinsod M, Hoyt WF, Nielsen SL. Malignant evolution of childhood chiasmal pilocytic astrocytoma. Neurology. 1976;26(4):322–5.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Safneck JR, Napier LB, Halliday WC. Malignant astrocytoma of the optic nerve in a child. Can J Neurol Sci. 1992;19(4):498–503.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Dirks PB, Jay V, Becker LE, Drake JM, Humphreys RP, Hoffman HJ, et al. Development of anaplastic changes in low-grade astrocytomas of childhood. Neurosurgery. 1994;34(1):68–78.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Listernick R, Charrow J, Gutmann DH. Intracranial gliomas in neurofibromatosis type 1. Am J Med Genet. 1999;89(1):38–44.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Cummings TJ, Chu CT, Pollock SC, Klintworth GK. Optic nerve astrocytoma with angiogenesis and neovascular glaucoma. Ophthalmic Pract. 2000;18:227–30.

    Google Scholar 

  41. Charles NC, Nelson L, Brookner AR, Lieberman N, Breinin GM. Pilocytic astrocytoma of the optic nerve with hemorrhage and extreme cystic degeneration. Am J Ophthalmol. 1981;92(5):691–5.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Stern J, Jakobiec FA, Housepian EM. The architecture of optic nerve gliomas with and without neurofibromatosis. Arch Ophthalmol. 1980;98(3):505–11.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Stern J, DiGiacinto GV, Housepian EM. Neurofibromatosis and optic glioma: clinical and morphological correlations. Neurosurgery. 1979;4(6):524–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Bruggers CS, Friedman HS, Phillips PC, Wiener MD, Hockenberger B, Oakes WJ, et al. Leptomeningeal dissemination of optic pathway gliomas in three children. Am J Ophthalmol. 1991;111(6):719–23.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Davis PC, Hoffman Jr JC, Weidenheim KM. Large hypothalamic and optic chiasm gliomas in infants: difficulties in distinction. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 1984;5(5):579–85.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. McDonnell P, Miller NR. Chiasmatic and hypothalamic extension of optic nerve glioma. Arch Ophthalmol. 1983;101(9):1412–5.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Liber AF. The nature of Rosenthal fibers. J Nerv Ment Dis. 1937;85:286–304.

    Google Scholar 

  48. Rosenthal W. Über eine eigenthumliche, mit syringomyelie complicierte geschwulst des rückenmarks. Zieglers Beitr Path Anat Allg Path. 1898;23:110.

    Google Scholar 

  49. Verhoeff FH. Tumors of the optic nerve. Cytology and cellular pathology of the nervous system. New York: Hafner Publishing Company; 1965. p. 1029–39.

    Google Scholar 

  50. Rubinstein LJ. Atlas of tumor pathology: tumors of the central nervous system. 2nd ed. Washington, D.C: Armed Forces Institute of Pathology; 1972.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Machen SK, Prayson RA. Cyclin D1 and MIB-1 immunohistochemistry in pilocytic astrocytomas: a study of 48 cases. Hum Pathol. 1998;29(12):1511–6.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Burger PC, Shibata T, Kleihues P. The use of the monoclonal antibody Ki-67 in the identification of proliferating cells: application to surgical neuropathology. Am J Surg Pathol. 1986;10(9):611–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Dirven CM, Koudstaal J, Mooij JJ, Molenaar WM. The proliferative potential of the pilocytic astrocytoma: the relation between MIB-1 labeling and clinical and neuro-radiological follow-up. J Neurooncol. 1998;37(1):9–16.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Louis DN, Edgerton S, Thor AD, Hedley-Whyte ET. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen and Ki-67 immunohistochemistry in brain tumors: a comparative study. Acta Neuropathol. 1991;81(6):675–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Matsumoto T, Fujii T, Yabe M, Oka K, Hoshi T, Sato K. MIB-1 and p53 immunocytochemistry for differentiating pilocytic astrocytomas and astrocytomas from anaplastic astrocytomas and glioblastomas in children and young adults. Histopathology. 1998;33(5):446–52.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Takeuchi H, Kabuto M, Sato K, Kubota T. Chiasmal gliomas with spontaneous regression: proliferation and apoptosis. Childs Nerv Syst. 1997;13:229–33.

    Google Scholar 

  57. Cummings TJ, Provenzale JM, Hunter SB, Friedman AH, Klintworth GK, Bigner SH, et al. Gliomas of the optic nerve: histological, immunohistochemical (MIB-1 and p53), and MRI analysis. Acta Neuropathol. 2000;99(5):563–70.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Rush JA, Younge BR, Campbell RJ, MacCarty CS. Optic glioma. Long-term follow-up of 85 histopathologically verified cases. Ophthalmology. 1982;89(11):1213–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Bernardini FP, Croxatto JO, Nozza P, Rossi A, Capris P. Primary diffuse leptomeningeal gliomatosis in children: a clinical pathologic correlation. Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg. 2013;29(2):93–7.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Cooling RJ, Wright JE. Arachnoid hyperplasia in optic nerve glioma: confusion with orbital meningioma. Br J Ophthalmol. 1979;63(9):596–9.

    CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Rodriguez FJ, Ligon AH, Horkayne-Szakaly I, Rushing EJ, Ligon KL, Vena N, et al. BRAF duplications and MAPK pathway activation are frequent in gliomas of the optic nerve proper. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 2012;71(9):789–94.

    CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Burger PC, Scheithauer BW, Paulus W, Szymas J, Giannini C, Kleihues P. Pilocytic astrocytoma. In: Kleihues P, Cavenee WK, editors. World Health Organization. Pathology and genetics, tumours of the nervous system. Lyon: IARC Press; 2000. p. 45–51.

    Google Scholar 

  63. Burger PC, Scheithauer BW, Vogel FS. The brain – tumors. In: Burger PC, Scheithauer BW, Vogel FS, editors. Surgical pathology of the nervous system and its coverings. Philadelphia: Churchill Livingstone; 2002. p. 203–15.

    Google Scholar 

  64. Lach B, Al Shail E, Patay Z. Spontaneous anaplasia in pilocytic astrocytoma of cerebellum. Br J Neurosurg. 2003;17(3):250–2.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Tomlinson FH, Scheithauer BW, Hayostek CJ, Parisi JE, Meyer FB, Shaw EG, et al. The significance of atypia and histologic malignancy in pilocytic astrocytoma of the cerebellum: a clinicopathologic and flow cytometric study. J Child Neurol. 1994;9(3):301–10.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Rubinstein LJ. Pathological features of optic nerve and chiasmatic gliomas. Neurofibromatosis. 1988;1(3):152–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Reese AB. Tumors of the eye. Hagerstown: Harper & Row; 1963. p. 134–5.

    Google Scholar 

  68. Cummings TJ, Hulette CM, Longee DC, Bottom KS, McLendon RE, Chu CT. Gliomatosis cerebri: cytologic and autopsy findings in a case involving the entire neuraxis. Clin Neuropathol. 1999;18(4):190–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Couch JR, Weiss SA. Gliomatosis cerebri. Report of four cases and review of the literature. Neurology. 1974;24(6):504–11.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Kawano N, Miyasaka Y, Yada K, Atari H, Sasaki K. Diffuse cerebrospinal gliomatosis. Case report. J Neurosurg. 1978;49(2):303–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Zaman K, Hardy DG. Diffuse cerebrospinal gliomatosis: clinical and radiological findings. Br J Neurosurg. 1988;2(3):415–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Felsberg GJ, Glass JP, Tien RD, McLendon R. Gliomatosis cerebri presenting with optic nerve involvement: MRI. Neuroradiology. 1996;38(8):774–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  73. Traynis I, Singer S, Winterkorn J, Rosenblum M, Dinkin M. Infiltration of the optic chiasm, nerve, and disc by gliomatosis cerebri. J Neuroophthalmol. 2014;34(1):44–6.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Alvord Jr EC, Lofton S. Gliomas of the optic nerve or chiasm. Outcome by patients’ age, tumor site, and treatment. J Neurosurg. 1988;68(1):85–98.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Bianchi-Marzoli S, Brancato R. Tumors of the optic nerve and chiasm. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 1994;5(6):11–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  76. Listernick R, Charrow J, Greenwald MJ, Esterly NB. Optic gliomas in children with neurofibromatosis type 1. J Pediatr. 1989;114(5):788–92.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  77. Listernick R, Charrow J, Greenwald M, Mets M. Natural history of optic pathway tumors in children with neurofibromatosis type 1: a longitudinal study. J Pediatr. 1994;125(1):63–6.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  78. Listernick R, Charrow J, Gutmann DH. Comments on neurofibromatosis 1 and optic pathway tumors. Am J Med Genet. 2001;102(1):105.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  79. Gutmann DH, Rasmussen SA, Wolkenstein P, MacCollin MM, Guha A, Inskip PD, et al. Gliomas presenting after age 10 in individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Neurology. 2002;59(5):759–61.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Farmer JP, Khan S, Khan A, Ortenberg J, Freeman C, O’Gorman AM, et al. Neurofibromatosis type 1 and the pediatric neurosurgeon: a 20-year institutional review. Pediatr Neurosurg. 2002;37(3):122–36.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  81. Rosser T, Packer RJ. Intracranial neoplasms in children with neurofibromatosis 1. J Child Neurol. 2002;17(8):630–7.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  82. Deliganis AV, Geyer JR, Berger MS. Prognostic significance of type 1 neurofibromatosis (von Recklinghausen disease) in childhood optic glioma. Neurosurgery. 1996;38(6):1114–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  83. de Keizer RJ, Wolff-Rouendaal D, Bots GT, Thomeer RT, Brouwer OF, Vielvoye GJ. Optic glioma with intraocular tumor and seeding in a child with neurofibromatosis. Am J Ophthalmol. 1989;108(6):717–25.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  84. Janss AJ, Grundy R, Cnaan A, Savino PJ, Packer RJ, Zackai EH, et al. Optic pathway and hypothalamic/chiasmatic gliomas in children younger than age 5 years with a 6-year follow-up. Cancer. 1995;75(4):1051–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  85. Ersahin Y, Yunten N. Bilateral optic nerve glioma. Pediatr Neurosurg. 1999;31(3):168.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  86. Shah JR, Patkar DP, Pungavkar SA, Parmer H. Extensive gliomas of visual tract in a patient of neurofibromatosis-I. Indian J Pediatr. 2000;67(12):939–40.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  87. Balcer LJ, Liu GT, Heller G, Bilaniuk L, Volpe NJ, Galetta SL, et al. Visual loss in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 and optic pathway gliomas: relation to tumor location by magnetic resonance imaging. Am J Ophthalmol. 2001;131(4):442–5.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  88. Borit A, Richardson Jr EP. The biological and clinical behaviour of pilocytic astrocytomas of the optic pathways. Brain. 1982;105(Pt 1):161–87.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  89. Rubinstein LJ. Tumeurs et hamartomes dans la neurofibromatose central. In: Michaux L, Feld M, editors. Les Phakomatoses Cérébrales. Paris: SPEI Editeurs; 1963. p. 427–51.

    Google Scholar 

  90. Wimmer K, Eckart M, Meyer-Puttlitz B, Fonatsch C, Pietsch T. Mutational and expression analysis of the NF1 gene argues against a role as tumor suppressor in sporadic pilocytic astrocytomas. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 2002;61(10):896–902.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  91. Gutmann DH, Donahoe J, Brown T, James CD, Perry A. Loss of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) gene expression in NF1-associated pilocytic astrocytomas. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol. 2000;26(4):361–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  92. Lang FF, Miller DC, Pisharody S, Koslow M, Newcomb EW. High frequency of p53 protein accumulation without p53 gene mutation in human juvenile pilocytic, low grade and anaplastic astrocytomas. Oncogene. 1994;9(3):949–54.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  93. Platten M, Giordano MJ, Dirven CM, Gutmann DH, Louis DN. Up-regulation of specific NF 1 gene transcripts in sporadic pilocytic astrocytomas. Am J Pathol. 1996;149(2):621–7.

    CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  94. Kluwe L, Hagel C, Tatagiba M, Thomas S, Stavrou D, Ostertag H, et al. Loss of NF1 alleles distinguish sporadic from NF1-associated pilocytic astrocytomas. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 2001;60(9):917–20.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  95. von Deimling A, Louis DN, Menon AG, von Ammon K, Petersen I, Ellison D, et al. Deletions on the long arm of chromosome 17 in pilocytic astrocytoma. Acta Neuropathol. 1993;86(1):81–5.

    Google Scholar 

  96. Tada K, Kochi M, Saya H, Kuratsu J, Shiraishi S, Kamiryo T, et al. Preliminary observations on genetic alterations in pilocytic astrocytomas associated with neurofibromatosis 1. Neuro Oncol. 2003;5(4):228–34.

    CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  97. Li J, Perry A, James CD, Gutmann DH. Cancer-related gene expression profiles in NF1-associated pilocytic astrocytomas. Neurology. 2001;56(7):885–90.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  98. Cheng Y, Pang JC, Ng HK, Ding M, Zhang SF, Zheng J, et al. Pilocytic astrocytomas do not show most of the genetic changes commonly seen in diffuse astrocytomas. Histopathology. 2000;37(5):437–44.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  99. Patt S, Gries H, Giraldo M, Cervos-Navarro J, Martin H, Janisch W, et al. p53 gene mutations in human astrocytic brain tumors including pilocytic astrocytomas. Hum Pathol. 1996;27(6):586–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  100. Ishii N, Sawamura Y, Tada M, Daub DM, Janzer RC, Meagher-Villemure M, et al. Absence of p53 gene mutations in a tumor panel representative of pilocytic astrocytoma diversity using a p53 functional assay. Int J Cancer. 1998;76(6):797–800.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  101. Raffel C. Molecular biology of pediatric gliomas. J Neurooncol. 1996;28(2–3):121–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  102. Rickman DS, Bobek MP, Misek DE, Kuick R, Blaivas M, Kurnit DM, et al. Distinctive molecular profiles of high-grade and low-grade gliomas based on oligonucleotide microarray analysis. Cancer Res. 2001;61(18):6885–91.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  103. Parsa CF, Hoyt CS, Lesser RL, Weinstein JM, Strother CM, Muci-Mendoza R, et al. Spontaneous regression of optic gliomas: thirteen cases documented by serial neuroimaging. Arch Ophthalmol. 2001;119(4):516–29.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  104. Rossi LN, Triulzi F, Parazzini C, Maninetti MM. Spontaneous improvement of optic pathway lesions in children with neurofibromatosis type 1. Neuropediatrics. 1999;30(4):205–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  105. Schmandt SM, Packer RJ, Vezina LG, Jane J. Spontaneous regression of low-grade astrocytomas in childhood. Pediatr Neurosurg. 2000;32(3):132–6.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  106. Yoshikawa G, Nagata K, Kawamoto S, Tsutsumi K. Remarkable regression of optic glioma in an infant. Case illustration. J Neurosurg. 2003;98(5):1134.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  107. Liu GT, Lessell S. Spontaneous visual improvement in chiasmal gliomas. Am J Ophthalmol. 1992;114(2):193–201.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  108. Wong JY, Uhl V, Wara WM, Sheline GE. Optic gliomas. A reanalysis of the University of California, San Francisco experience. Cancer. 1987;60(8):1847–55.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  109. McCullough DC, Epstein F. Optic pathway tumors. A review with proposals for clinical staging. Cancer. 1985;56(7 Suppl):1789–91.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  110. Regueiro CA, Ruiz MV, Millan I, de la Torre A, Romero J, Aragon G. Prognostic factors and results of radiation therapy in optic pathway tumors. Tumori. 1996;82(4):353–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  111. Aarabi B, Long DM, Miller NR. Enlarging optic chiasmal glioma with stable visual acuity. Surg Neurol. 1978;10(3):175–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  112. Nishio S, Takeshita I, Fujiwara S, Fukui M. Optico-hypothalamic glioma: an analysis of 16 cases. Childs Nerv Syst. 1993;9(6):334–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  113. Wan WL, Geller JL, Feldon SE, Sadun AA. Visual loss caused by rapidly progressive intracranial meningiomas during pregnancy. Ophthalmology. 1990;97(1):18–21.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  114. Karp LA, Zimmerman LE, Borit A, Spencer W. Primary intraorbital meningiomas. Arch Ophthalmol. 1974;91(1):24–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  115. Merten DF, Gooding CA, Newton TH, Malamud N. Meningiomas of childhood and adolescence. J Pediatr. 1974;84(5):696–700.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  116. Wright JE. Primary optic nerve meningiomas: clinical presentation and management. Trans Sect Ophthalmol Am Acad Ophthalmol Otolaryngol. 1977;83(4):617–25.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  117. Finn JE, Mount LA. Meningiomas of the tuberculum sellae and planum sphenoidale. A review of 83 cases. Arch Ophthalmol. 1974;92(1):23–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  118. Radhakrishnan S, Lee MS. Optic nerve sheath meningiomas. Curr Treat Options Neurol. 2005;7(1):51–5.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  119. Stern WE. Meningiomas in the cranio-orbital junction. J Neurosurg. 1973;38(4):428–37.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  120. Pieper DR, Al Mefty O, Hanada Y, Buechner D. Hyperostosis associated with meningioma of the cranial base: secondary changes or tumor invasion. Neurosurgery. 1999;44(4):742–6.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  121. Mandelcorn MS, Shea M. Primary orbital perioptic meningioma: a case report. Can J Ophthalmol. 1971;6(4):293–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  122. Sood GC, Malik SK, Gupta DK, Gupta AN. Bilateral meningiomas of the orbit. Am J Ophthalmol. 1966;61(6):1533–5.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  123. Macmichael IM, Cullen JF. Primary intraorbital meningioma. Br J Ophthalmol. 1969;53(3):169–73.

    CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  124. Kennerdell JS, Maroon JC. Intracanalicular meningioma with chronic optic disc edema. Ann Ophthalmol. 1975;7(4):507–12.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  125. Lopez DA, Silvers DN, Helwig EB. Cutaneous meningiomas – a clinicopathologic study. Cancer. 1974;34(3):728–44.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  126. Saeed P, Rootman J, Nugent RA, White VA, Mackenzie IR, Koornneef L. Optic nerve sheath meningiomas. Ophthalmology. 2003;110(10):2019–30.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  127. Moore CE. Sphenoidal ridge meningioma with optic nerve metastasis. Br J Ophthalmol. 1968;52(8):636–9.

    CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  128. Jain D, Ebrahimi KB, Miller NR, Eberhart CG. Intraorbital meningiomas: a pathologic review using current World Health Organization criteria. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2010;134(5):766–70.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  129. Karikari IO, Syed NA, Cummings TJ. Secretory meningiomas of the orbit. Orbit. 2009;28(6):408–11.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  130. Copeland DD, Bell SW, Shelburne JD. Hemidesmosome-like intercellular specializations in human meningiomas. Cancer. 1978;41(6):2242–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  131. Perry A, Lusis EA, Gutmann DH. Meningothelial hyperplasia: a detailed clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical and genetic study of 11 cases. Brain Pathol. 2005;15(2):109–15.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  132. Bosch MM, Boltshauser E, Harpes P, Landau K. Ophthalmologic findings and long-term course in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2. Am J Ophthalmol. 2006;141(6):1068–77.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  133. Collins VP, Nordenskjold M, Dumanski JP. The molecular genetics of meningiomas. Brain Pathol. 1990;1(1):19–24.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  134. Perry A, Gutmann DH, Reifenberger G. Molecular pathogenesis of meningiomas. J Neurooncol. 2004;70(2):183–202.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  135. Heimberger AB, Wiltshire RN, Bronec R, McLendon RE, Cummings TJ. Biphasic malignant meningioma: a comparative genomic hybridization study. Clin Neuropathol. 2002;21(6):258–64.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  136. Liu GT, Galetta SL, Rorke LB, Bilaniuk LT, Vojta DD, Molloy PT, et al. Gangliogliomas involving the optic chiasm. Neurology. 1996;46(6):1669–73.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  137. Sadun F, Hinton DR, Sadun AA. Rapid growth of an optic nerve ganglioglioma in a patient with neurofibromatosis 1. Ophthalmology. 1996;103(5):794–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  138. Lu WY, Goldman M, Young B, Davis DG. Optic nerve ganglioglioma. Case report. J Neurosurg. 1993;78(6):979–82.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  139. Chilton J, Caughron MR, Kepes JJ. Ganglioglioma of the optic chiasm: case report and review of the literature. Neurosurgery. 1990;26(6):1042–5.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  140. Lowes M, Bojsen-Moller M, Vorre P, Hedegaard O. An evaluation of gliomas of the anterior visual pathways. A 10-year survey. Acta Neurochir. 1978;43(3–4):201–6.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  141. Cohen M. Primary intradural tumor of the orbital portion of the optic nerve. Arch Ophthalmol. 1919;48:19–22.

    Google Scholar 

  142. Sugiyama K, Goishi J, Sogabe T, Uozumi T, Hotta T, Kiya K. Ganglioglioma of the optic pathway. A case report. Surg Neurol. 1992;37(1):22–5.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  143. Gritzman MC, Snyckers FD, Proctor NS. Ganglioglioma of the optic nerve. A case report. S Afr Med J. 1983;63(22):863–5.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  144. Bergin DJ, Johnson TE, Spencer WH, McCord CD. Ganglioglioma of the optic nerve. Am J Ophthalmol. 1988;105(2):146–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  145. Rodriguez LA, Edwards MS, Levin VA. Management of hypothalamic gliomas in children: an analysis of 33 cases. Neurosurgery. 1990;26(2):242–6.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  146. Cogan DG, Poppen JL, Hicks SP. Ganglioneuroma of chiasm and optic nerves. Arch Ophthalmol. 1961;43:481–2.

    Google Scholar 

  147. Green WR, Iliff WJ, Trotter RR. Malignant teratoid medulloepithelioma of the optic nerve. Arch Ophthalmol. 1974;91(6):451–4.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  148. Vadmal M, Kahn E, Finger P, Teichberg S. Nonteratoid medulloepithelioma of the retina with electron microscopic and immunohistochemical characterization. Pediatr Pathol Lab Med. 1996;16(4):663–72.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  149. Lindegaard J, Heegaard S. Tumors of the optic nerve. Expert Rev Ophthalmol. 2009;4(2):197–206.

    Google Scholar 

  150. Verhoeff FH. A rare tumor arising from the pars ciliaris retinae (terato-neuroma), of a nature hitherto unrecognized, and its relation to the so-called glioma retinae. Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc. 1904;10(part 2):351–77.

    CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  151. Fuchs E. Wucherungen and Geschwulste des Ciliarepithels. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 1908;68:534–87.

    Google Scholar 

  152. Shields JA, Eagle Jr RC, Shields CL, Potter PD. Congenital neoplasms of the nonpigmented ciliary epithelium (medulloepithelioma). Ophthalmology. 1996;103(12):1998–2006.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  153. Zimmerman LE. Verhoeff’s “terato-neuroma”. A critical reappraisal in light of new observations and current concepts of embryonic tumors. Am J Ophthalmol. 1971;72(6):1039–57.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  154. Lindegaard J, Heegaard S, Toft PB, Nysom K, Prause JU. Malignant transformation of a medulloepithelioma of the optic nerve. Orbit. 2010;29(3):161–4.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  155. Zywicke H, Palmer CA, Vaphiades MS, Riley KO. Optic nerve hemangioblastoma: a case report. Case Rep Pathol. 2012;2012:915408.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  156. Barrett R, Meyer D, Boulos A, Eames F, Torres-Mora J. Optic nerve hemangioblastoma. Ophthalmology. 2008;115(11):2095.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  157. Manjandavida FP, Honavar SG, Gowrishankar S, Mulay K, Reddy VA, Vemuganti GK. Optic nerve meningeal hemangiopericytoma: a clinicopathological case report. Surv Ophthalmol. 2013;58(4):341–7.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  158. Croxatto JO, Font RL. Hemangiopericytoma of the orbit: a clinicopathologic study of 30 cases. Hum Pathol. 1982;13(3):210–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  159. Schwent BJ, Wojno TH, Grossniklaus HE. Hemangiopericytoma of the optic nerve sheath. Am J Ophthalmol. 2007;143(5):904–6.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  160. Boniuk M, Messmer EP, Font RL. Hemangiopericytoma of the meninges of the optic nerve. A clinicopathologic report including electron microscopic observations. Ophthalmology. 1985;92(12):1780–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  161. Furusato E, Valenzuela IA, Fanburg-Smith JC, Auerbach A, Furusato B, Cameron JD, et al. Orbital solitary fibrous tumor: encompassing terminology for hemangiopericytoma, giant cell angiofibroma, and fibrous histiocytoma of the orbit: reappraisal of 41 cases. Hum Pathol. 2011;42(1):120–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  162. Spencer A, Lee J, Prayson RA. Optic nerve choristoma. Ann Diagn Pathol. 2005;9(2):93–5.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  163. Giannini C, Reynolds C, Leavitt JA, Schultz GA, Garrity JA, Ebersold MJ, et al. Choristoma of the optic nerve: case report. Neurosurgery. 2002;50(5):1125–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  164. Christmas NJ, Mead MD, Richardson EP, Albert DM. Secondary optic nerve tumors. Surv Ophthalmol. 1991;36(3):196–206.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  165. Lindegaard J, Isager P, Prause JU, Heegaard S. Optic nerve invasion of uveal melanoma. APMIS. 2007;115(1):1–16.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  166. Kivela T, Summanen P. Retinoinvasive malignant melanoma of the uvea. Br J Ophthalmol. 1997;81(8):691–7.

    CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  167. Ferry AP, Font RL. Carcinoma metastatic to the eye and orbit. I. A clinicopathologic study of 227 cases. Arch Ophthalmol. 1974;92(4):276–86.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  168. Hervey-Jumper SL, Ghori A, Ziewacz JE, McKeever PE, Chandler WF. Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the optic chiasm: case report. Neurosurgery. 2011;68(2):E556–61.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  169. DiLuna ML, Two AM, Levy GH, Patel T, Huttner AJ, Duncan CC, et al. Primary, non-exophytic, optic nerve germ cell tumors. J Neurooncol. 2009;95(3):437–43.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  170. Hintz EB, Yeaney GA, Buchberger GK, Vates GE. Intracranial salivary gland choristoma within optic nerve dural sheath: case report and review of the literature. World Neurosurg. 2014;81(5-6):842.e1–842.

    Google Scholar 

  171. Cummings TJ. Chapter 8: Optic nerve. In: Ophthalmic pathology: a concise guide. New York: Springer; 2013.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, 3712, Durham, NC, 27710, USA

    Thomas J. Cummings MD

  2. Department of Pathology, Vrije Universiteit Medical Center, 7507, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Paul van der Valk MD, PhD

Authors
  1. Thomas J. Cummings MD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Paul van der Valk MD, PhD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Thomas J. Cummings MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Eye Pathology Section Teilum-bygningen, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Steffen Heegaard

  2. L.F. Montgomery Laboratory, Emory Eye Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

    Hans Grossniklaus

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2015 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Cummings, T.J., van der Valk, P. (2015). Optic Nerve. In: Heegaard, S., Grossniklaus, H. (eds) Eye Pathology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-43382-9_7

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-43382-9_7

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-662-43381-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-662-43382-9

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation