Superior quadrant visual field loss secondary to temporoparietal craniectomy for brain abscess.

BACKGROUND

Visual field defects occur from a variety of causes. As a result, the differential diagnosis of visual field defects and their etiology is important.

METHODS

A 64-year old white male was examined in follow up related to the surgical removal of a right temporal lobe abscess secondary to a childhood right side mastoidectomy. The patient underwent ophthalmic examination, which suggested possible changes in his field of vision, and neurobehavioral evaluation related to his visual field defect, a left homonymous superior quadrant defect.

RESULTS

Computed tomography (CT) scan of the head without contrast enhancement confirmed the ophthalmic diagnosis and correlated with the patient's medical history. However, neurobehavioral evaluation revealed a number of deficits that were believed to be associated with alcohol abuse.

CONCLUSIONS

Visual field loss with changing vision symptoms and a complex history can confound the differential diagnosis of visual field defects. Frequently careful and complete evaluation can confirm and reveal subsequent diagnoses.