Visual loss in idiopathic intracranial hypertension after resolution of papilledema

Document Type

Article

Abstract

PURPOSE: To demonstrate that progressive visual field loss may occur after resolution of papilledema in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension and persistently elevated intracranial pressure. METHODS: A patient with idiopathic intracranial hypertension was evaluated with serial Humphrey automated static perimetry after initial treatment and resolution of papilledema. RESULTS: The patient developed recurrent headache and elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Optic nerve head appearance did not change. Automated perimetry demonstrated reproducible, worsening visual field loss; mean deviation decreased 11 dB in each eye. Visual field defects resolved after optic nerve sheath fenestration. CONCLUSIONS: Increased intracranial pressure caused visual field loss after resolution of papilledema. Optic nerve sheath fenestration improved visual function in this patient.

Medical Subject Headings

Acetazolamide (administration & dosage, therapeutic use); Administration, Oral; Adult; Blindness (etiology, pathology, surgery); Disease Progression; Diuretics (administration & dosage, therapeutic use); Female; Humans; Intracranial Hypertension (complications, pathology, therapy); Intracranial Pressure; Optic Disk (pathology); Papilledema (complications, drug therapy, pathology); Punctures; Recurrence; Visual Fields

Publication Date

11-1-1999

Publication Title

Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery

ISSN

0740-9303

Volume

15

Issue

6

First Page

442

Last Page

4

PubMed ID

10588256

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1097/00002341-199911000-00015

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