Visual Outcome Predictors After Surgical Excision Of Meningiomas Compressing The Optochiasmatic Complex

Abstract Background Meningioma arising from locations in the vicinity of optic nerve or chiasm may affect the visual function which sometimes the presentation of such tumors. Decompression of the optic nerve or chiasm can give a chance to the visual function to recover. Methods 30 patients who had visual function affection and underwent meningioma excision are followed up for a period of one year with regular follow of their visual function periodically. Results In this study, females were more prevalent than males, 24 out of 30, age ranged from 24 to 72 years at the time of surgery, half the patients (15) presented with visual deterioration, the other patients presented with headache, seizure, proptosis or accidentally discovered. 22 patients improved concerning their visual function over time, 6 patients had stationary course and 2 patients deteriorated postoperatively. Conclusion Follow up of patients after surgical excision of meningioma compressing the anterior optic pathway showed gradual improvement in vision in follow up period up to one year, although the improvement in visual function showed a surge in early postoperative period, with continuous less steep improvement afterwards till the end of the observation period. Surgical excision of meningiomas compressing the anterior visual pathway give chance for recovery of visual function, more in younger patients, patients with shorter period of visual deterioration, patients with mild affection of the preoperative visual status. No statistically significant influence of tumor site, size, degree of excision and surgical approach on the postoperative visual outcome in this series.