title: Analysis of the causes of optic disc swelling.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the clinical manifestations and diagnoses of optic disc swelling.
  
  
  METHODS
  The medical records of 49 patients who experienced optic disc swelling between March 2008 and June 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. The characteristics of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NA-AION) and optic neuritis (ON), which showed optic disc swelling most commonly, were compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  NA-AION was the most common disorder (34.7%) that presented with optic disc swelling. ON was identified in 15 patients (30.6%). Seven out of 49 patients (14.3%) had intracranially associated diseases, such as papilledema and compressive optic neuropathy. Pseudopapilledema was noted in four patients (8.2%). Other diseases (e.g., papillophlebitis, neuroretinitis, and diabetic papillopathy) were seen in six patients (12.2%). Ocular pain was observed more commonly in patients with ON (p = 0.001). Patients with ON expected a better visual prognosis than patients with NA-AION (0.12 ± 0.32 vs. 0.49 ± 0.35, p = 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  NA-AION and ON should be considered in the differential diagnosis when patients with optic disc swelling present to the neuro-ophthalmology clinic. Detailed history taking and supportive examinations, such as visual field, color-vision and imaging tests, should also be performed as indicated. Regular follow-up of such exams is necessary for the differential diagnosis of these diseases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Kim's Eye Hospital, Konyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Jong Jin
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.forename: Seung-Hee
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Baek
authors.forename: Ungsoo Samuel
authors.initials: US
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology; D009902:Optic Neuritis / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D018917:Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D010211:Papilledema / Q000209:etiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014794:Visual Fields