Optic disc involvement in hypocalcaemia with hypoparathyroidism: papilloedema or optic neuropathy?

Abstract

Swelling of the optic disc is a recognised feature of hypocalcaemia, particularly associated with primary and surgically induced hypoparathyroidism. We report a patient with hypocalcaemia following parathyroidectomy who presented with bilateral optic disc swelling followed by visual loss in the left eye and optic atrophy. In some patients with hypocalcaemic disc swelling, the clinical features resemble those of papilloedema without significant visual loss, while in others loss of acuity and field are characteristic of optic neuropathy.