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Papilloedema due to Chiari I malformation
Jason Chao Zhang1, Belal Bakir, Andrew Lee
1Ophthalmology Department, The Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States.
BMJ Case Reports
|June 8, 2012
Summary
Chiari I malformation, a condition causing cerebellar tonsil displacement, can rarely manifest as papilledema. This case highlights papilledema as the sole neurological symptom in an adult female with Chiari I.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Chiari I malformation involves cerebellar tonsil displacement into the cervical spine.
- Ocular manifestations are known but papilledema is rare.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old female presented with papilledema as her only neurological symptom.
- Her condition was diagnosed as Chiari I malformation.
Findings:
- Papilledema can be an isolated presenting sign of Chiari I malformation.
- This presentation mimics idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering Chiari I malformation in adult papilledema cases.
- May alter diagnostic pathways for papilledema.
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