Korean J Ophthalmol.  2011 Feb;25(1):33-36. 10.3341/kjo.2011.25.1.33.

Analysis of the Causes of Optic Disc Swelling

• Jung JJ
• Baek SH
• Kim US

• KMID: 994409
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3341/kjo.2011.25.1.33

Abstract

PURPOSE
To investigate the clinical manifestations and diagnoses of optic disc swelling.
METHODS
The medical records of 49 patients who experienced optic disc swelling between March 2008 and June 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. The characteristics of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NA-AION) and optic neuritis (ON), which showed optic disc swelling most commonly, were compared.
RESULTS
NA-AION was the most common disorder (34.7%) that presented with optic disc swelling. ON was identified in 15 patients (30.6%). Seven out of 49 patients (14.3%) had intracranially associated diseases, such as papilledema and compressive optic neuropathy. Pseudopapilledema was noted in four patients (8.2%). Other diseases (e.g., papillophlebitis, neuroretinitis, and diabetic papillopathy) were seen in six patients (12.2%). Ocular pain was observed more commonly in patients with ON (p = 0.001). Patients with ON expected a better visual prognosis than patients with NA-AION (0.12 +/- 0.32 vs. 0.49 +/- 0.35, p = 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
NA-AION and ON should be considered in the differential diagnosis when patients with optic disc swelling present to the neuro-ophthalmology clinic. Detailed history taking and supportive examinations, such as visual field, color-vision and imaging tests, should also be performed as indicated. Regular follow-up of such exams is necessary for the differential diagnosis of these diseases.

Keyword

Ischemic optic neuropathy; Korea; Optic disc swelling; Optic neuritis

MeSH Terms

Adult
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Optic Nerve Diseases/complications/etiology
Optic Neuritis/complications/physiopathology
Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic/complications/physiopathology
Papilledema/*etiology
Retrospective Studies
Visual Fields

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Diagnoses of patients with optic disc swelling. NA-AION = non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.

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