Optic neuropathy caused by naso-orbital mass in chronic intranasal cocaine abuse

J Neuroophthalmol. 2009 Mar;29(1):50-3. doi: 10.1097/WNO.0b013e3181989adb.

Abstract

A 48-year-old woman with a history of chronic intranasal cocaine abuse presented with unilateral proptosis associated with severe visual loss from optic neuropathy in the right eye. Imaging showed extensive bone and soft tissue destruction in the paranasal region and an orbital mass. Initial biopsies suggested a low-grade neoplasm. The correct diagnosis was established only on repeat biopsy, which revealed marked pleomorphism and nonspecific chronic inflammation with irregular collagen bundles containing thick-walled blood vessels. This case emphasizes that intranasal cocaine abuse may clinically, radiographically, and histopathologically mimic a neoplasm or a necrotizing vasculitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intranasal
  • Blindness / diagnosis
  • Blindness / etiology
  • Cellulitis / diagnosis
  • Cellulitis / etiology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cocaine / adverse effects
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / complications*
  • Exophthalmos / diagnosis
  • Exophthalmos / etiology
  • Female
  • Fibrosis / pathology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Nasal Cavity / pathology
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / diagnosis
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / etiology*
  • Orbit / pathology
  • Orbital Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Orbital Diseases / etiology*
  • Paranasal Sinus Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Paranasal Sinus Diseases / etiology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Cocaine