Optic disc edema refers to unilateral or bilateral swelling of the optic disc.
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Terminology
Optic disc edema describes the swelling of nerve fiber layer at the optic nerve head, and it is the consequence of many different pathological processes. Optic disc edema is sometimes mistaken for papilledema because both refer to the swelling of the optic disc. Optic disc edema refers to the general swelling of the disc; meanwhile, papilledema is a subset of optic disc edema and is exclusively used for optic disc swelling due to increased intracranial pressure 1.
Pathology
Etiology
- non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
- optic neuritis
- compressive optic neuropathy
- neuroretinitis
- idiopathic intracranial hypertension
- hypertensive papillopathy
- retinal vein occlusions
- intracranial mass
- papillophlebitis
- diabetes mellitus papillopathy 2,3
Radiographic features
Magnetic resonance imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrates optic nerve sheath enlargement 4.
Optical coherence tomography
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) presents an elevation of optic nerve head because of the peripapillary hyperreflective ovoid mass-like structures. Additionally, in patients with optic disc edema other than papilledema, optical coherence tomography shows an either flat or V-shaped retinal pigment epithelium/ Brunch's membrane (RPE/BM) layer 5,6.
Treatment and prognosis
Treatment of optic disc edema includes diuretics such as acetazolamide, furosemide, etc. Steroids are also prescribed in some cases 3.
Differential diagnosis
Differential diagnosis for optic disc edema includes 1:
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