Primary optic nerve sheath schwannoma: a case report

Abstract

Background: The optic nerve is an unusual site of schwannoma as it lacks Schwannoma cells on it. We report a primary optic sheath schwannoma and to review the literature.

Case report: A 29-year old female presented with progressive painless non-pulsatile proptosis. Ocular examination revealed only axial proptosis. Imaging showed a well-defined intraconal mass abutting optic nerve. A left frontal craniotomy with orbitotomy and tumor excision was done. The tumor was well encapsulated, posteriorly attached to optic nerve without any plane, probable site of origin. The postoperative duration was uneventful without any complications. The histopathology examination confirms the diagnosis of schwannoma.

Conclusions: We suggest to consider orbital optic nerve schwannoma in differential diagnosis of orbital tumors despite its exceedingly rare occurrence.

Keywords: Optic nerve sheath; orbit; schwannoma.