Related articles: Papilla edema
Definition
Papilla edema (or papilledema) is a swelling of the ganglion fibers at the point of connection between the optic nerve and the eyeball. This condition is caused by an increase in intracranial pressure and can indicate the presence of traumatic lesions, tumors, abscesses or cerebral hemorrhage. Papilla edema can also be found in meningitis, encephalitis, arachnoid adhesions and thrombosis of the central vein of the retina and cavernous sinus. Furthermore, it is a frequent complication of diabetes, severe hypertension, pulmonary emphysema and arsenic and lead poisoning.
Papilledema is almost always bilateral. In the initial stages, visual acuity and the pupillary reflex to light are usually normal, but it is possible to find an enlargement of the blind spot of the eye. Later, visual obfuscations, scotomas and diplopia appear. On ophthalmoscopy, the retinal vessels appear congested and tortuous, while the optic disk is hyperemic. In the more advanced stages of papilla edema, however, defects in the conduction of the impulse in nerve fibers and loss of vision can occur. In case of a concomitant intracranial hypertension, patients may also experience headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness and altered state of consciousness.
Possible Causes * of Edema of the papilla
- Giant cell arteritis
- Diabetes
- Cerebral hemorrhage
- Encephalitis
- Wernicke's encephalopathy
- Emphysema
- Hypertension
- Meningioma
- Meningitis
