A rare potentially treatable cause of bilateral optic disc swelling.
Rapid onset bilateral optic disc swelling generally indicates an intracranial problem-that is, papilloedema. However, when there is also visual loss, disease affecting the optic nerves themselves must be considered. We present the diagnostic problem of a patient with optic disc swelling and progressive visual loss. Investigations finally revealed hypocalcaemia secondary to primary hypoparathyroidism. With treatment a marked improvement in vision occurred. This reversible rare cause of optic disc swelling should not be forgotten.
Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, UK.
M
M
Abu-Ain
S
S
Aazem
C
C
Morton
M
M
Kumwenda
D
D
Griffiths
A
A
Jacob
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017610:Calcium Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002254:Carbonates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006887:Hydroxycholecalciferols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006996:Hypocalcemia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D007011:Hypoparathyroidism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D007773:Lactates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019721:Ophthalmoscopes; D010211:Papilledema / Q000209:etiology*; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology*
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D017610:Calcium Compounds; D002254:Carbonates; D006887:Hydroxycholecalciferols; D007773:Lactates; C082985:Sandocal; C008088:alfacalcidol