Etiologic Spectrum of Optic Disc Edema in Mongolia: Clinical Insights from a Resource Limited Setting

Authors

  • Anarsaikhan Narmandakh Department of Ophthalmology, First Central Hospital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia https://orcid.org/0009-0005-8937-3464
  • Altanzul Tumurpurev Gerelt Melmii eye clinic, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia https://orcid.org/0009-0003-3546-7970
  • Bat-Erdene Bataa Department of Neurology, First Central Hospital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
  • Khulgun Enkhjargal Department of Rheumatology and Articular Surgery, First Central Hospital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
  • Dorjpagma Rentsendorj The First Central Hospital of Mongolia
  • Sunderya Yostoikhuu Department of Ophthalmology, First Central Hospital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6395-6737
  • Undarmaa Tumurbaatar Department of Ophthalmology, First Central Hospital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2860-0822
  • Enkhtuul Sedbazar Department of Ophthalmology, First Central Hospital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2988-4673
  • Tuvshintugs Baljir Department of Ophthalmology, First Central Hospital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
  • Sainbilig Disan Department of Ophthalmology, First Central Hospital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4352-6829

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24079/cajms.2025.03.004

Keywords:

Optic Disc Edema, Optic Neuropathy, Optic neuritis, Ischemic Optic Neuropathy, Uveitic optic neuropathy, Syphilitic optic neuropathy, Mongolia

Abstract

Objective: Optic disc edema (ODE) is a critical clinical sign that often marks the initial manifestation of a vision- or life-threatening systemic disease, depending on its underlying etiology. This first Mongolian observational study defines the demographic characteristics, etiologies, and clinical features of ODE, assessing diagnostic reassessment as a challenge for multiple specialties. Methods: We conducted a 5-year retrospective–prospective observational study with reassessment to evaluate etiologies, clinical features, and visual outcomes. Results: Seventy patients (90 eyes) with optic disc edema were included in the analysis. Demyelinating optic neuritis (36.4%) predominated in younger females, ischemic cases (44.4%) in older patients, and infectious causes (26.9%, syphilis) in males. Inflammatory etiologies were mostly uveitis. Baseline vision was poor, with 20% presenting with profound impairment (Visual acuity (VA)≤20/400). Severe loss (<6/120) was most frequent in demyelinating cases (72.2%). Visual recovery was most significant in demyelinating and inflammatory cases, and minimal in ischemic cases, with initial BCVA being the strongest prognostic factor (p value < 0.05). Conclusion: We conclude that optic disc edema shows a diverse age-related etiologic spectrum, with demyelinating and ischemic causes predominating, with differing prognoses and a high burden of infectious (mainly syphilis) and uveitis cases. Initial visual acuity was the key prognostic factor, emphasizing the importance of systemic screening and multidisciplinary care.

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Published

2025-09-30

How to Cite

Narmandakh, A., Tumurpurev, A., Bataa, B.-E., Enkhjargal, K., Rentsendorj, D., Yostoikhuu, S., … Disan, S. (2025). Etiologic Spectrum of Optic Disc Edema in Mongolia: Clinical Insights from a Resource Limited Setting. Central Asian Journal of Medical Sciences, 11(3), 135–144. https://doi.org/10.24079/cajms.2025.03.004

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 3 (2025)

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Articles

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