# The Role of Optical Coherence Tomography in the Early Detection of Chiasmal Compression: Hypophyseal Adenoma Presenting With Bitemporal Nerve Fiber Layer Thinning

**Authors:** Joobin Khadamy

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55371 · Cureus · 2024-03-02

## TL;DR

This paper presents a case where optical coherence tomography detected early signs of chiasmal compression from a pituitary tumor before significant visual symptoms appeared.

## Contribution

The study highlights OCT as a valuable tool for early detection of pituitary tumors through bitemporal retinal nerve fiber layer thinning.

## Key findings

- Bitemporal NFL thinning on OCT indicated chiasmal damage despite minimal visual field changes.
- MRI confirmed a macroadenoma of the hypophysis following OCT findings.
- Treatment with cabergoline led to tumor regression and improved visual field.

## Abstract

Hypophyseal adenomas can present with or without minimal visual disturbances. We present a case of a 40-year-old male with a hypophyseal adenoma, highlighting bitemporal peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (NFL) thinning on optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a major sign of chiasmal damage despite minimal asymmetrical nonspecific changes detected on initial visual field testing. The bitemporal NFL thinning prompted further evaluation with MRI, which confirmed the presence of a macroadenoma of the hypophysis. Despite the large adenoma, treatment with cabergoline led to regression, and the patient's visual field improved. This case underscores the importance of OCT in detecting subtle structural changes associated with pituitary tumors, as it can facilitate early diagnosis and prompt intervention for optimal visual outcomes.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** cabergoline (PubChem CID 54746)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** adenoma (MESH:D000236), pituitary tumors (MESH:D010911), Chiasmal Compression (MESH:D009408), chiasmal damage (MESH:D020263), visual disturbances (MESH:D014786), Hypophyseal Adenoma (MESH:D000072659), macroadenoma of the hypophysis (MESH:D004393)
- **Chemicals:** cabergoline (MESH:D000077465)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

4 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC10982832/full.md

## References

6 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC10982832/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC10982832