Spontaneous Regression of a Massive Sporadic Chiasmal Optic Pathway Glioma

Abstract

Optic pathway gliomas have highly variable and unpredictable natural histories, including spontaneous regression, making management decisions difficult and controversial. We report a case of substantial spontaneous regression of an optic pathway glioma involving the chiasm in a 15-month-old boy. Our case is particularly striking given the massive size at presentation with chiasmal, bilateral optic tract, and midbrain involvement, along with clinical ophthalmologic signs for which the majority of practitioners may have recommended treatment on presentation.