Angiographically normal central retinal artery following the total resection of an optic nerve glioma.

Although the central retinal artery and its collateral circulation, especially within the anterior optic nerve, have been extensively studied, there continues to be controversy regarding the existence and significance of anastomoses between the central retinal artery and ciliary circulation. We present the case of a 16-year-old boy who underwent total resection of an optic nerve glioma beginning proximally at the chiasm and ending distally flush with the globe. After resection, heavy bipolar cautery was applied. Postoperatively, normal central retinal artery circulation was documented angiographically, suggesting that, at least in some cases, significant anastomoses can develop between the central retinal artery and ciliary circulation in the laminar and prelaminar areas.