Bilateral disc oedema in retinitis pigmentosa--an unusual sign

An unusual case of Bardet-Biedl syndrome which presented with sudden total visual loss in both eyes is documented. The fundus picture and angiographic findings were consistent with the diagnosis of bilateral disc oedema with retinitis pigmentosa. The various etiological possibilities resulting in the manifestation of bilateral disc oedema in this case of retinitis pigmentosa are considered. Inflammatory disc oedema secondary to photoreceptor degeneration as a possible cause of acute loss of vision in retinitis pigmentosa is discussed.