Anatomy of the optic radiations from the white matter fiber dissection perspective: A literature review applied to practical anatomical dissection

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of the anatomical course of the optic radiations and its relationship to medial temporal lobe structures is of great relevance in preoperative planning for surgery involving the temporal lobe to prevent damage that may result in postsurgical visual field deficits. METHODS: In this anatomical study, we reviewed the literature on this topic and applied the information to practical anatomical dissection. The three-dimensional relationship between the course of the optic radiations and structures accessed in the main microneurosurgical approaches to the medial temporal lobe was examined by applying Klingler’s white matter fiber dissection technique to five formalin-fixed human brains. The dissections were performed with an operating microscope at magnifications of ×3–×40. High-resolution images were acquired during dissection for identification of the anatomical structures, focusing on the characterization of the course of the optic radiations in relation to medial temporal lobe structures. RESULTS: In all five dissected brains, we could expose and clearly define the relationship between the optic radiations and medial temporal lobe structures, improving our understanding of these complex structures. CONCLUSION: The knowledge gained by studying these relationships will help neurosurgeons to develop risk-adjusted approaches to prevent damage to the optic radiations in the medial temporal region, which may result in a disabling visual field deficit.