Disc oedema is seen in:
**Core Concept**
Disc oedema, also known as disc edema or disc swelling, refers to the swelling of the optic disc due to increased intracranial pressure (ICP) or other causes. The optic disc is the point on the retina where the optic nerve fibers exit the eye, and swelling here can lead to vision problems.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Increased ICP can cause fluid to accumulate in the optic disc, leading to disc oedema. This occurs due to the transmission of pressure from the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) to the optic nerve sheath. The optic nerve sheath is a fibrous tube that surrounds the optic nerve, and increased pressure within this sheath can compress the optic nerve, causing swelling of the optic disc. The mechanism of disc oedema is often related to conditions such as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), where there is an abnormal accumulation of CSF within the cranial vault.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is not relevant to disc oedema.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect as disc oedema is not typically associated with conditions that cause retinal detachment.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect as disc oedema is not typically associated with conditions that cause uveitis.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that disc oedema can be a sign of increased ICP, which can be a medical emergency. Therefore, if a patient presents with symptoms of increased ICP, such as headache, nausea, and vomiting, and disc oedema is detected on examination, urgent medical attention should be sought.
**Correct Answer:** B. Papilledema (Note: Papilledema is a more accurate term for disc oedema caused by increased ICP).