Purpose: To illustrate the diagnosis, evaluation, and complications of pseudopapilledema in children.
Methods: We examined a 9-year-old boy who had suspected papilledema and a retinal mass. He had undergone neuroradiologic imaging at an outside facility.
Results: Clinical examination of the patient provided the diagnosis of optic nerve head drusen, pseudopapilledema, and a cicatrized choroidal neovascular membrane. Examination of the boy's parents disclosed optic nerve head drusen in the father.
Conclusions: Choroidal neovascular membranes caused by optic nerve head drusen are uncommon in children. Clinical examination of the patient and family members, along with B-scan ultrasonography, can establish this cause. Neuroradiologic testing is unnecessary, and carries risk related to the need for sedation.