DRUSEN OF THE OPTIC NERVE SIMULATING CEREBRAL TUMOR

Abstract

Drusen of the optic nerve constitute a characteristic ophthalmologic disorder, which was first described in 1858 by Müller.¹ In addition to the term drusen, the same condition has been referred to by various authors as ``hyaline bodies," Drusenbildungen and Kalkdrusen. A review of the literature discloses that the occurrence of drusen of the optic nerve without symptoms is well known. Some authors have pointed out the association of drusen of the optic nerve with ophthalmologic diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma and melanosarcoma. Several have noted the relatively frequent concurrence of drusen of the optic nerve with disorders of the nervous system. Our attention was recently directed to this interesting neuro-ophthalmologic disorder by the observation of 2 patients who demonstrated that drusen of the optic nerve may in some instances be characterized by clinical features closely resembling those of tumor of the brain. Although pneumoencephalographic study may be necessary