An unexpected case of swollen optic nerves

Am J Ther. 2011 Jul;18(4):e126-9. doi: 10.1097/MJT.0b013e318207ec20.

Abstract

The following article is a case report of a 7-year-old patient who developed bilateral papilledema while taking Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) for an anxiety disorder. The incidental discovery of bilateral optic disc elevation early in her course of therapy as well as its rapid resolution after cessation of Zoloft are described. The absence of neurologic disease or visual system pathology in this patient led to a diagnosis of drug-induced papilledema. Neuroimaging was suggestive of pseudotumor cerebri. Although many drugs have been implicated in the development of pseudotumor cerebri, there have been no previous reports of papilledema or pseudotumor cerebri related to the use of Zoloft.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety Disorders / drug therapy
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Papilledema / chemically induced*
  • Papilledema / diagnosis
  • Pseudotumor Cerebri / chemically induced*
  • Pseudotumor Cerebri / diagnosis
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Sertraline / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
  • Sertraline