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Comparative Study
. 2011 Feb;25(1):33-6.
doi: 10.3341/kjo.2011.25.1.33. Epub 2011 Jan 17.

Analysis of the causes of optic disc swelling

Jong Jin Jung  1 , Seung-Hee Baek, Ungsoo Samuel Kim
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Analysis of the causes of optic disc swelling

Jong Jin Jung et al. Korean J Ophthalmol. 2011 Feb.

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.

Keywords: Ischemic optic neuropathy; Korea; Optic disc swelling; Optic neuritis.

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Conflict of interest statement

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Diagnoses of patients with optic disc swelling. NA-AION = non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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