Unilateral proptosis as a neglected case of sphenoid wing meningioma: a case report and healthcare challenges in rural Indonesia

Abstract

Proptosis, an abnormal protrusion of the eyeball, is a manifestation of a wide variety of pathologies. The complication to be vision- or life-threatening makes early diagnosis is important, especially in rural primary health centers (PHCs) with far-distance referrals to capable hospitals. This case report examines a patient with obvious unilateral proptosis and blurry vision on the right eye for 4 years, with neglect because of prior inadequate diagnosis and explanation before the current complication. Examination shows no light perception, obvious proptosis (30 mm), exodeviation, and ophthalmoplegia. Referral for radiological examination showed a regular extra-axial lesion, well-defined, and broad-based on the right sphenoid wing with hyperostosis. The patient was diagnosed with sphenoid wing meningioma, which complicated into proptosis and blindness. This report aims to explain the current challenges of rural PHCs in Indonesia critically and to emphasize that rural PHCs should overcome the low level of public education, self-awareness of health, and tendency to reject the referral process. Clinicians also have a crucial role in early detection and prompt treatment to reduce further neglected cases.