Paplitusi

Paplitusi, commonly called papillitis in English, is an inflammatory condition that affects the optic disc, the point where the optic nerve enters the eye. It is a form of optic neuritis in which swelling and inflammation are centered on the optic nerve head. Paplitusi is usually unilateral and can occur alone or as part of a systemic or ocular process. Causes may include demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis, inflammatory disorders, infections, or it may be idiopathic.

Clinical features typically include sudden or subacute vision loss in one eye, eye discomfort that worsens with eye movement, and reduced color vision. Patients may notice a central or paracentral scotoma. On examination, the optic disc appears swollen with blurred margins; the disc edema may be accompanied by vascular changes. Additional testing, such as visual acuity measurement, color vision testing, visual field assessment, and neuroimaging, helps determine the extent of involvement and possible underlying causes. MRI of the brain and orbits, along with laboratory tests, can help identify associated conditions or infectious etiologies.

Management focuses on identifying and treating any underlying cause. In idiopathic papillitis, observation may be employed, while some cases are treated with corticosteroids to speed recovery, though long-term visual outcomes vary and depend on the underlying condition. If an infection is identified, appropriate antimicrobial therapy is used. When papillitis is associated with demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis, disease-modifying treatments and ongoing neurological follow-up are important. Regular ophthalmologic and neurologic monitoring is recommended to assess recovery and detect potential recurrences or progression.