[Microangioma and optochiasmatic apoplexy. Description of an anatomo-clinical entity associating spontaneous hemorrhages of the anterior optic pathways and rupture of cryptic vascular anomalies].

A 39 year-old women presented for the third time in 9 years, with an acute chiasmal syndrome caused by hemorrhage within a ruptured intra-chiasmatic cryptic angioma. We have reviewed this entity described as "chiasmal apoplexy" and defined its clinicopathological characteristics. Sub-frontal microsurgical approach to the optic chiasm is recommended to confirm the diagnosis and to decompress the optic chiasm. However, surgery does not prevent the possibility of recurrences. We have precised the concept of cryptic vascular malformation.