Primary Wegener's granulomatosis of the orbital apex with initial optic nerve infiltration

Orbit. 2011 Jan;30(1):24-6. doi: 10.3109/01676830.2010.542872.

Abstract

Wegener's granulomatosis can involve the orbit and sometimes the optic nerve. This usually occurs as a result of contiguous spread from affected sinuses or extraocular muscles, or from a vasculitic posterior optic neuropathy. However, we present an unusual case of isolated orbital apex infiltrative disease in a patient with known Wegener's granulomatosis. This initially caused painless optic neuropathy and progressed to painful ophthalmoplegia and blindness. Optic nerve biopsy, performed to exclude methotrexate-induced lymphoma, confirmed optic nerve infiltration. The condition was refractory to high-dose pulsed methylprednisolone but the patient gained symptomatic relief from rituximab. Wegener's granulomatosis should be considered in cases of isolated posterior optic neuropathy, and close attention should be placed on imaging the orbital apex.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Contrast Media
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / complications*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / diagnosis
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / drug therapy
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / etiology*
  • Orbital Diseases / diagnosis
  • Orbital Diseases / drug therapy
  • Orbital Diseases / etiology*

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Immunosuppressive Agents