Onodi cell abscess causing optic neuritis and orbital apex syndrome during pregnancy: A case report

Abstract

Onodi cells are an anatomic variation in the pneumatization of the ethmoidal air cells. Onodi cells can be affected by various pathologies causing optic nerve manifestations. Being a physiologically immunocompromised state, the clinical course of these etiologies varies greatly during pregnancy. When such conditions are manifested during pregnancy, the armamentarium of the clinician is severely restricted both in terms of investigations and treatment. The first suspicion of such a sight-threatening condition relies majorly on clinical examination. Here, we describe the first documented case of Onodi cell abscess-induced optic neuritis in pregnancy managed with methylprednisolone and transsphenoidal surgery.

Keywords

• onodi cell
• optic neuritis
• transsphenoidal surgery