Disc Edema Secondary to Sleep Apnea: A Case Report

Background: Background: Bilateral optic disc edema is associated with multiple systemic conditions of potentially dire consequences. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a common culprit and diagnosis of exclusion, which has been observed in multiple patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and raised questions of a pathophysiological link between the two. Case Report: A 28-year-old Caucasian male with history of transient ischemic attack-like symptoms presented with bilateral disc edema prompting a multi-disciplinary work up that included imaging, lumbar puncture, laboratory analysis, neuroophthalmological, cardiological, and pulmonary evaluations that ultimately led to a diagnosis of OSA. The case is unique in that it followed the patient ten years after initial presentation. Conclusion: In this case report, a stepwise approach worked through the differential diagnosis of bilateral disc edema in a young obese adult to isolate severe OSA as a likely cause, adding to our understanding of the pathophysiology and management of patients with this condition.