Large rhabdoid meningioma presenting prominent hyperintensity in the optic nerve: An indicator of visual disturbance on constructive interference steady-state sequence?

BACKGROUND: Rhabdoid meningiomas (RMs) are a rare type of malignant meningioma. Here, we report a case of intracranial RM presenting with visual disturbance and prominent hyperintensity in the optic nerve (ON).

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 20-year-old female presented with a 1-year history of headache. At presentation, her visual acuity (VA) was 20/50 on the right side and 20/40 on the left, with an intraocular pressure of 17 mmHg on both sides. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging revealed a broad-based tumor in the right frontal convexity. It measured 82 mm × 65 mm × 70 mm in diameter, accompanied by cystic components, and was inhomogeneously enhanced. The intraorbital ONs demonstrated prominent intramedullary hyperintensity on the constructive interference steady-state sequence. Gross total tumor resection was performed and the pathology was consistent with RM. Immediately after surgery, her VA and IOP were 20/17 and 10 mmHg, respectively, with a remarkable resolution of the intramedullary hyperintensity.

CONCLUSION: Prominent hyperintensity in the ON identified in patients with chronic intracranial hypertension may be an indicator of visual disturbance. It can rapidly resolve after resolution of intracranial hypertension with functional recovery.