A Case of Visual Field Defect from Intracranial Optic Nerve Compression by Normal Caliber Internal Carotid Artery

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Compression of the optic nerve by a dolichoectatic internal carotid artery is known to cause of visual field defects. We experienced a case of optic nerve compression by a normal-appearing internal carotid artery. METHODS: A 22-year-old man presented with left eye visual field defect without obvious cause and magnetic resonance imaging revealed compression of the left optic nerve by ipsilateral internal carotid artery. RESULTS: At eight-month follow-up, there was no improvement in visual field defect or optic disc change. CONCLUSIONS: In an unexplained optic neuropathy, T1-weighted MRI is needed to evaluate the relationship between the optic nerve and internal carotid artery.