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[Papilledema and echographically detectable retro-orbital dilatation of the sub-arachnoidal space with open

G C Gusek-Schneider1, C Y Mardin, R Trollmann

  • 1Augenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen. gabriele.gusek-schneider@uk-erlangen.de

Klinische Monatsblatter Fur Augenheilkunde
|September 9, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Papilledema in infants requires careful evaluation. Echography is crucial for detecting sub-arachnoidal space dilatation, even with normal optic discs, to prevent optic atrophy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • Papilledema in infants under one year is rare but serious.
  • Early detection is key to preventing vision loss.

Observation:

  • Case reports of three infants with papilledema before age one were analyzed.
  • Three additional cases of infants under one year without papilledema but with sub-arachnoidal space dilatation on echography were studied.

Findings:

  • Echography is essential for evaluating the sub-arachnoidal space in infants with suspected hydrocephalus, regardless of optic disc appearance.
  • Dilatation of the retro-bulbar sub-arachnoidal space can be identified via echography in infants with open fontanelles.

Implications:

  • Early recognition of sub-arachnoidal space dilatation may prevent secondary optic atrophy.
  • Current data do not support establishing an upper age limit for echographic examination in these cases.

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