Isolated transient blindness and isolated oculomotor nerve palsy secondary to single mesencephalic metastases: Report of 2 cases

摘要

PURPOSE. Metastatic lesions of midbrain are quite rare, and only unusually they produce isolated cranial nerve palsy. METHODS. We report two cases of 2 nd and 3 rd cranial nerves impairment, produced by solitary midbrain metastases. RESULTS. In both patients Magnetic Resonance (MR) allowed a correct diagnosis, subsequently confirmed by histology. CONCLUSIONS. The metastatic involvement of midbrain would be included in the differential diagnosis of neuro-ophthalmic conditions to avoid the risk of misdiagnosis and consequently delay in management of this special population. MR is crucial for early detection of this infrequent pathology.