Etiology of Papilledema in Patients in the Eye Clinic Setting

Key Points Question What is the likely etiology of papilledema among patients presenting to an eye clinic without a previously known cause? Findings In this population-based cross-sectional study including 86 patients diagnosed with papilledema, most patients (87%) were found to have idiopathic intracranial hypertension, while 13% presented with potentially life-threatening conditions, including intracranial tumor, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, and granulomatous meningitis. Meaning All patients presenting with papilledema require neuroimaging; however, based on the results of this study, those with the typical demographic characteristics of idiopathic intracranial hypertension and lack of other neurologic symptoms may not need urgent neuroimaging, as long as the papilledema is not severe enough to threaten vision.