Purpose: A case of schwannoma of the cauda equina in which the initial manifestation was visual loss, due to papilledema, is described.
Observation: A 56-year-old man presented a history of 1 month of progressively blurred vision. On examination, visual acuity was 20/1,000 due to bilateral papilledema without spinal symptoms or neurological signs. Brain computed tomography demonstrated a nonobstructive hydrocephalus. He underwent a ventriculoperitoneal shunt without improvement. One month later, he complained of disturbance while walking associated with lower back pain. A lumbar puncture revealed an increased opening pressure. Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid demonstrated an elevated protein level (6.8 g/l). Spinal magnetic resonance imaging showed a neurinoma of the cauda equina. We performed complete surgical resection and the histopathology diagnosis was schwannoma. Neurological dysfunctions resolved except visual acuity due to bilateral optic atrophy.
Discussion: The association of papilledema and spinal tumor is an unusual but well-known phenomenon. Several theories have been proposed to explain the development of increased intracranial pressure in such cases but the exact physiopathology remains unknown.
Conclusion: Spinal cord tumor should be considered when acute papilledema associated with normal brain computed tomography and high cerebrospinal fluid protein levels are encountered. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging should then be performed.