Pediatric Papilledema at a Tertiary Care Ophthalmological Center

Murugesan Maheswaran1, Mulasthanam Sai Dheera1, Mahesh Kumar2

  • 1Department of Opthalmology, Aravind Eye Hospital and Post Graduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Indian Pediatrics
|October 22, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric papilledema, often asymptomatic, requires prompt diagnosis. This study found most cases in children were linked to idiopathic intracranial hypertension, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary care.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Pediatric papilledema is frequently asymptomatic, necessitating routine screening for early detection.
  • Understanding the presentation, causes, and treatment of papilledema in children is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the clinical presentation, etiology, and treatment outcomes of pediatric papilledema.
  • To identify common causes and diagnostic challenges of papilledema in a pediatric neuro-ophthalmology setting.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study design.
  • Analysis of data from pediatric patients diagnosed with papilledema at a tertiary care eye institute.
  • Review of clinical records focusing on presentation, etiology, and treatment.

Main Results:

  • Out of 24 children studied, 19 (79%) were diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
  • Idiopathic intracranial hypertension was the predominant etiology identified in the pediatric cohort.
  • The study highlights the importance of a systematic approach to diagnosis and management.

Conclusions:

  • Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a leading cause of pediatric papilledema.
  • An interdisciplinary approach involving ophthalmology, neurology, and pediatrics is essential for timely diagnosis and effective treatment of pediatric papilledema.

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