Pseudopapilledema

Synonyms

Congenitally anomalous disk; Pseudoneuritis

Definition

Normal variant elevation of the optic disk, disk drusen, disk abnormalities, or congenital fullness of the optic nerve without vessel leakage or optic disk edema can mimic papilledema and is referred to as pseudopapilledema.

Etiology

Pseudopapilledema is a familial condition that can be caused by a congenitally narrow scleral canal, myelinated fibers, anomalous disks, or optic disk drusen. Pseudopapilledema in contrast to true papilledema is not caused by elevation in intracranial pressure.

Clinical Presentation

Most patients with pseudopapilledema will not report any visual or systemic symptoms, although visual field defects (e.g., nerve fiber layer defects, enlarged blind spot) are detectable upon examination.

Diagnostics

Pseudopapilledema is sometimes difficult to differentiate from true papilledema (a true swelling of the optic disk). Typically, ophthalmoscopic analysis will reveal a normal color to the optic disk...