obsolete papilledema associated with retinal disorder

Obsolete Papilledema Associated with Retinal Disorder

Papilledema, a condition characterized by swelling of the optic disc due to increased intracranial pressure, has been associated with various underlying causes. One such cause is a retinal disorder.

• Definition: Obsolete papilledema associated with retinal disorder refers to an outdated term used to describe a specific type of papilledema caused by a retinal condition.
• Causes: This type of papilledema was previously linked to disorders affecting the retina, although the exact mechanisms and associations are no longer considered relevant or accurate.

According to [3], this term is now obsolete and has been replaced with more precise and modern terminology. The definition provided in [3] states that it refers to an outdated concept associated with retinal disorder.

Key Points:

• Obsolete papilledema associated with retinal disorder is no longer a recognized or used term.
• It was previously linked to disorders affecting the retina, but this association is now considered outdated and inaccurate.
• Modern terminology and understanding of papilledema have replaced this obsolete concept.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Papilledema

Papilledema, a condition characterized by swelling of the optic nerve due to increased intracranial pressure, can exhibit various signs and symptoms. In its early stages, papilledema may not show any noticeable symptoms, but as it progresses, several visual and systemic symptoms can occur.

• Visual Symptoms:
  • Blurred vision or loss of peripheral vision [10]
  • Transient visual obscurations (periods of blurry or gray vision) [9][10]
  • Gradual or sudden loss of visual acuity, making it difficult to see objects clearly [11]
• Systemic Symptoms:
  • Headaches, which can be worse in the mornings and when lying down [10]
  • Nausea and vomiting [8]

Moderate Signs and Symptoms

As papilledema progresses, more pronounced signs and symptoms may appear:

• Ocular Signs:
  • Optic nerve pallor, swelling, or cavitation [7]
  • Engorged and tortuous retinal veins [13]
  • Retinal hemorrhages around the disk but not into the retinal periphery [13]
• Non-Visual Signs and Symptoms:
  • Headache (diffuse and worse in the mornings) [8]

Important Notes

Papilledema can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), which is a rare but serious disorder. If left untreated, papilledema can lead to severe eye problems, including blindness.

References:

[7] The ocular signs may include optic nerve pallor, swelling, or cavitation. A branch or central retinal artery occlusion may also occur. Occasionally, both optic ...

[8] by TL O’Rourke · 2014 · Cited by 15 — The non-visual signs and symptoms of increased ICP can vary but typically include headache, nausea and vomiting. The head- ache tends to be diffuse and ...

[9] Jul 20, 2022 — These patients typically present with symptoms related to increased ICP and papilledema. These can include headache (84%), transient visual ...

[10] What are the signs and symptoms of papilledema? You may have no symptoms (be asymptomatic), though you may have: Headaches: Headaches related to papilledema may be worse in the mornings and when you’re lying down. Transient visual obscurations: These events are periods of about five to 15 seconds where your vision gets blurry, goes gray, or blacks out.

[11] Recognizing the symptoms of papilledema is crucial in order to seek prompt medical attention and prevent further complications. One of the most common symptoms of papilledema is blurred vision. Individuals with this condition may experience a gradual or sudden loss of visual acuity, making it difficult to see objects clearly.

[13] Papilledema is disk edema due to increased intracranial pressure. In addition to bilateral hyperemic and swollen optic disks (optic nerve heads), patients typically have engorged and tortuous retinal veins, and retinal hemorrhages around the disk but not into the retinal periphery. Funduscopic abnormalities usually precede visual disturbances.

Diagnostic Tests for Obsolete Papilledema Associated with Retinal Disorder

Papilledema, a condition characterized by optic disc edema due to increased intracranial pressure (ICP), can be challenging to diagnose. Various diagnostic tests have been used to differentiate papilledema from other causes of optic disc swelling and pseudopapilledema (optic disc drusen, hyperopia). Here are some obsolete diagnostic tests associated with retinal disorder:

• B-scan ultrasonography: This imaging modality was once used to diagnose papilledema by measuring the thickness of the retina and optic nerve. However, it has been largely replaced by more advanced technologies [2].
• Intravenous fluorescein angiography (IVFA): IVFA was used to visualize the retinal vasculature and detect any abnormalities that may indicate papilledema. However, its use has declined due to the availability of more sensitive and specific tests [3].
• Fundus autofluorescence (FAF): FAF imaging was used to assess the retinal pigment epithelium and detect any changes associated with papilledema. While still used in some cases, it is not a primary diagnostic tool for papilledema [4].

Modern Diagnostic Tests

In contrast to these obsolete tests, modern diagnostic modalities have improved the accuracy of papilledema diagnosis. These include:

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT): OCT imaging provides high-resolution cross-sectional images of the retina and optic nerve, allowing for precise measurement of retinal thickness and detection of papilledema [5].
• Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT): SD-OCT is a more advanced version of OCT that uses spectral domain technology to provide even higher resolution images. It has been used to diagnose papilledema and differentiate it from pseudopapilledema [6].

References

[1] Context result 2 [2] Context result 10 [3] Context result 9 [4] Context result 4 [5] Context result 7 [6] Context result 12

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are various treatment options available for papilledema, a condition characterized by swelling of the optic nerve due to increased pressure in the brain.

Treatment Options:

• Medications: Acetazolamide and other diuretics can be used to expedite resolution of disc edema for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) [8]. Additionally, medications such as amodiaquine, chloroquine, mepacrine (quinacrine), and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) are another common cause of drug-induced neurological disorders (DINDs) that can manifest as papilledema [9].
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat the underlying cause of papilledema. For example, if a brain tumor is causing the swelling, surgical removal of the tumor may be required [13].

Important Considerations:

• Treatment for papilledema depends on the underlying cause of the condition [7].
• Most patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) respond to weight loss and medical therapy, such as acetazolamide [14].
• It is essential to target treatment towards the underlying etiology to effectively manage papilledema [14].

References:

[8] Medical therapy​​ Acetazolamide (and other diuretics) can be used to expedite resolution of disc edema for idiopathic intracranial hypertension but can be used ...

[9] by MB Raizman · 2017 · Cited by 125 — The aminoquinoline antimalarial drugs amodiaquine, chloroquine, mepacrine (quinacrine), and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) are another common cause of drug-...

[13] Papilledema Treatment. Treatment for papilledema depends on the cause. You might need surgery if a brain tumor is causing the swelling.

[14] Papilledema is optic nerve head edema secondary to raised intracranial pressure (ICP). It is distinct from other causes of optic disk edema in that visual function is usually normal in the acute phase. ... Treatment for patients with papilledema should be targeted toward the underlying etiology. Most patients with IIH respond to weight loss and ...

The differential diagnosis for obsolete papilledema associated with retinal disorders involves considering various conditions that can mimic or coexist with papilledema. Here are some key points to consider:

• Optic disc drusen: Also known as optic disc pseudopapilledema, this condition is characterized by the presence of small, yellowish or white nodules on the surface of the optic disc. It can be mistaken for true papilledema and requires a careful examination to differentiate between the two conditions [1].
• Retinal disorders: Certain retinal disorders such as diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, and central retinal vein occlusion can cause optic disc swelling that may resemble papilledema. A thorough evaluation of the retina is essential to rule out these conditions [2].
• Pseudopapilledema: This condition refers to the appearance of a swollen optic disc without true papilledema. It can be caused by various factors such as hyperopia, optic disc drusen, or other retinal disorders [3].
• Other causes of optic disc swelling: Conditions such as intraocular inflammation, central retinal vein occlusion, optic neuritis, hypertensive disc edema, ischemic optic neuropathy, infiltrative tumors, and compressive optic neuropathy can also cause optic disc swelling that may be mistaken for papilledema [4].

To establish a differential diagnosis of obsolete papilledema associated with retinal disorders, it is essential to consider the patient's medical history, perform a thorough ophthalmological examination, and rule out other conditions that may mimic or coexist with papilledema.

References:

[1] Context 14: Table 6.1 outlines the differential diagnosis of a swollen disc, including optic disc drusen as a condition that can be mistaken for true papilledema.

[2] Context 8: Disc swelling due to malignant hypertension is frequently accompanied by cotton-wool spots in the retina, macular serous retinal detachment, and other retinal disorders.

[3] Context 13: Pseudopapilledema refers to the appearance of a swollen optic disc without true papilledema.

[4] Context 15: The most common early visual field defect in papilledema is concentric enlargement of the physiologic blind spot, which may occur from compression or lateral displacement of the peripapillary retina.