Insidious craniosynostosis and chronic papilledema in childhood.

Objective: We studied a case of chronic papilledema in a 5-year-old child with visual loss who presented no obvious cosmetic abnormalities.

Methods: Neuroradiologic investigations were suggestive of craniosynostosis. The child underwent decompressive cranial surgery. Postoperatively, the papilledema totally regressed, and visual acuity recovered to 20/20 in both eyes.

Results: The chronic papilledema was confirmed to be related to harmonious oxycephaly.

Conclusions: Insidious craniosynostosis is an unusual cause of chronic papilledema in childhood. The papilledema may be resolved and visual loss prevented by surgery.