Malignant optic glioma masked by suspected optic neuritis and central retinal vein occlusion

Malignant optic glioma presents a clinical and diagnostic challenge, as early imaging findings overlap with other more common causes of optic nerve enhancement and enlargement, potentially leading to delay in diagnosis. This rare diagnosis carries an extremely poor prognosis, with death usually occurring within 1 year. We present a case of malignant optic glioma that was initially diagnosed as optic neuritis and central retinal vein occlusion, and we emphasize the importance of serial imaging and definitive biopsy to promote early diagnosis and treatment of this entity.