Long-term progressive deterioration of visual function after papilledema improved by embolization of a dural arteriovenous fistula in the sigmoid sinus: a case report

INTRODUCTION: It is generally believed that people affected by papilledema will not have progressive damage to their eyesight if they receive adequate medical care to treat the underlying cause of the papilledema. We present a case that appears to contradict this widely accepted belief. CASE PRESENTATION: A 53-year-old Japanese man with tinnitus visited our hospital. His initial best-corrected visual acuity in either eye was not impaired, although they both exhibited papilledema. Magnetic resonance imaging did not reveal a mass or hemorrhagic lesion in our patient’s brain. Nevertheless, his best-corrected visual acuity gradually deteriorated over the following three months. Angiography demonstrated a dural arteriovenous fistula in his sigmoid sinus. After embolization therapy, the papilledema improved in both eyes. However, over the subsequent four years, his best-corrected visual acuity progressively deteriorated due to an unknown cause, despite the successful embolization of the dural arteriovenous fistula. CONCLUSION: There may be delayed onset of an unknown pathophysiology in the visual system after treatment for the underlying cause of papilledema, implying an uncertain visual prognosis for patients with this condition.