[Differential diagnosis of papilledema]

Terminology, pathogenesis and differential diagnosis of papilloedema are discussed. A series of 100 consecutive patients with optic disc swelling is reviewed. Increased intracerebral pressure accounted for 32% of the cases. Vascular disease, such as central vein occlusion, central arterial occlusion and ischaemic neuropathy were the underlying diagnoses in the second largest group (22%) and in 18% of cases inflammatory disease caused the papillitis.