Retinoblastoma and optic nerve enhancement in a brain magnetic resonance scan: is it always a metastasis?

Abstract

Case report: The case is presented on a girl with a unilateral retinoblastoma that required treatment with intra-arterial chemotherapy. In the nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of the brain performed 1 month after intra-arterial chemotherapy treatment, post-laminar optic nerve (ON) enhancement was observed, leading to the suspicion of an ON tumour infiltration. Additional examinations were requested by which a probable optic neuropathy was diagnosed.

Discussion: The ON enhancement in magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in retinoblastoma generally corresponds to tumour invasion of the ON. However, other diagnostic alternatives associated with the use of new treatments, such as intra-arterial chemotherapy, should be considered.

Keywords: Metastasis; Metástasis; Nuclear magnetic resonance; Optic nerve enhancement; Realce del nervio óptico; Resonancia magnética nuclear; Retinoblastoma.