INSIDIOUS CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS AND CHRONIC PAPILLEDEMA IN CHILDHOOD

PURPOSE: We studied a case of chronic papilledema in a 5-year-old chil d with visual loss who presented no obvious cosmetic abnormalities, ME THODS: Neuroradiologic investigations were suggestive of craniosynosto sis, The child underwent decompressive cranial surgery. Postoperativel y, the papilledema totally regressed, and visual acuity recovered to 2 0/20 in both eyes, RESULTS: The chronic papilledema was confirmed to b e related to harmonious oxycephaly. CONCLUSION: Insidious craniosynost osis is an unusual cause of chronic papilledema in childhood. The papi lledema may be resolved and visual loss prevented by surgery.