Pregnancy and acute optic disc edema of juvenile-onset diabetes
Ward, S.C.; Woods, D.R.; Gilstrap, L.C.; Hauth, J.C.
Obstetrics and Gynecology 64(6): 816-818
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-7844 PMID: 6504425 Document Number: 230912
Acute optic disc edema is a recently recognized, relatively benign manifestation of juvenile-onset diabetes mellitus. Twenty-three cases have been reported in the ophthalmology literature, two occurring during pregnancy. The authors present an additional case recognized in a pregnant patient and review the literature. The disorder manifests physical findings similar to those of papilledema, proliferative retinopathy with optic disc edema, inflammatory papillitis, and ischemic optic neuropathy, but has a benign course that requires no treatment and is not adversely affected by pregnancy. It is important to recognize this syndrome because failure to make the correct diagnosis in pregnancy may lead to inappropriate treatment, including therapeutic abortion.