Case Report: Iatrogenic Papilledema Secondary to Leuprolide Acetate in a Patient Preparing for Hysterectomy

Introduction Most cases of papilledema are caused by an idiopathic increase in intracranial pressure, known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Less commonly, a drug may increase intracranial pressure and cause bilateral optic nerve head edema. Papilledema is a rare but known side effect of leuprolide acetate, a synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist. Case Report A 35-year-old patient with a medical history of uterine fibroids began taking leuprolide acetate injections in preparation for a hysterectomy. The patient noted recent, rapid weight gain and presented with symptoms of photophobia and sinus pressure with normal vision in both eyes. The patient had significant optic nerve head edema in both eyes and upon discontinuation of the drug, her optic nerve head edema improved. Conclusion While the etiology of leuprolide acetate induced papilledema is currently unknown with the incidence being relatively rare, it is important to consider certain medications as a potential etiology in all cases of papilledema.