The concept of 'pseudo-Foster Kennedy syndrome' differs from true Foster Kennedy syndrome in that:
- A Pseudo-FKS shows simultaneous bilateral disc swelling due to non-compressive causes, whereas true FKS has a mass compressing one optic nerve causing atrophy with contralateral papilledema ✓
- B Pseudo-FKS shows bilateral optic atrophy without papilledema
- C Pseudo-FKS is caused by unilateral central retinal artery occlusion
- D Pseudo-FKS has preserved visual acuity in the eye with disc swelling
Correct answer: A. Pseudo-FKS shows simultaneous bilateral disc swelling due to non-compressive causes, whereas true FKS has a mass compressing one optic nerve causing atrophy with contralateral papilledema
Explanation
True Foster Kennedy syndrome is caused by a frontal lobe or olfactory groove mass directly compressing one optic nerve (causing ipsilateral optic atrophy and anosmia) while raising intracranial pressure (causing contralateral papilledema). Pseudo-Foster Kennedy syndrome mimics this appearance but results from bilateral simultaneous optic disc swelling (e.g., bilateral non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy), where one disc has recovered/become atrophic while the other is still swollen — without any compressive mass. Neuroimaging differentiates them.
Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.