The chiasmal syndrome (optic atrophy associated with bitemporal field loss) has a varied etiology. A careful investigation by specialists in many fields may be required for proper diagnosis and treatment. In the following case report, osteochondroma of the base of the skull was found to be the responsible causative lesion. The histopathologic diagnosis was made from biopsy material obtained following a transseptal transsphenoidal approach to the sellar area.
Report of Case
History.
—This patient was a 49-year-old Negro cook who was referred to the eye clinic of the U.S. Public Health Service Hospital, San Francisco, on Aug. 22, 1957, with a diagnosis of optic atrophy of unknown cause. His major complaint was poor vision for the past 1½ years. He stated that in April, 1956, his vision was tested and was 20/30 in each eye.
Eye Examination.
—On examination uncorrected vision was 20/200 in the right eye, 20/80 in the