Asymptomatic Versus Symptomatic Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension in Children

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (12) ◽  
pp. 751-756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keerthi T. Gondi ◽  
Kevin S. Chen ◽  
Sean M. Gratton

Background: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a rare neurologic condition characterized by elevated intracranial pressure with normal cerebrospinal fluid analysis and neuroimaging. A subset of pediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension patients are coincidentally found to have papilledema and elevated intracranial pressure without symptoms (eg, headache, visual blurring, tinnitus). This study aims to investigate the features of asymptomatic pediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Methods: Retrospective case-control study of patients aged 0 to 18 years who received idiopathic intracranial hypertension diagnosis from 2005 to 2016. Subjects were included if they met established diagnostic criteria for idiopathic intracranial hypertension diagnosis. Subjects were classified as symptomatic if they presented with 1 symptom related to elevated intracranial pressure, and asymptomatic if no symptoms were present. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the 2 groups. Results: 12 (22.6%) of 53 pediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension subjects were asymptomatic. Compared to symptomatic idiopathic intracranial hypertension, asymptomatic idiopathic intracranial hypertension had younger age of onset, lower initial opening pressure on lumbar puncture, lower optic nerve edema grades bilaterally, lower likelihood of globe flattening on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and smaller required dose of acetazolamide for resolution of papilledema (all P < .05). Conclusion: Asymptomatic idiopathic intracranial hypertension is common among pediatric patients with papilledema and is an important disease entity that requires special clinical management. It may exist as a milder version of idiopathic intracranial hypertension that occurs in younger children, or as a precursor state that later evolves into symptomatic disease.

2021 ◽  
Vol In Press (In Press) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Talebian ◽  
Babak Soltani ◽  
Dawood Aghadoost ◽  
Javid Azadbakht ◽  
Alireza Rezaee ◽  
...  

Introduction: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), also known as pseudotumor cerebri, is a rare neurological manifestation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Case Presentation: In this case study, we present a 10-year-old girl with headache, diplopia, bilateral sixth nerve palsy, and papilledema following a history of seven days of fever about two weeks ago. In lumbar puncture, the opening pressure was 56 cmH2O. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was normal. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was suggestive of IIH. Nasopharyngeal reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was positive for COVID-19. Oral acetazolamide was prescribed, and the patient improved completely after three weeks of continuous medical treatment. Conclusions: Since IIH is a rare neurological complication of COVID-19, we have to suspect COVID-19 infection in any patient with IIH.


2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (11) ◽  
pp. 1117-1119
Author(s):  
Sharon Chi ◽  
Amy Weintrob

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), or pseudotumor cerebri, is a diagnosis of exclusion. Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) can result from a variety of inflammatory and structural causes affecting cerebrospinal fluid production and absorption. First described in 1935, syphilis is a well-established cause of elevated ICP, referred to as syphilitic hydrocephalus. We report a case of a 49-year-old man presenting with vision changes and headache who was treated for IIH without resolution of symptoms, and eventually diagnosed with syphilitic hydrocephalus. Syphilis should be considered as a cause of elevated ICP prior to a diagnosis of IIH.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Jules C. Beal

Increased intracranial pressure due to viral meningitis has not been widely discussed in the literature, although associations withVaricellaand rarelyEnterovirushave been described. Patients with increased intracranial pressure and cerebrospinal fluid analysis suggestive of a viral process are sometimes classified as having atypical idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). However, a diagnosis of IIH requires normal cerebrospinal fluid, and therefore in these cases an infection with secondary intracranial hypertension may be a more likely diagnosis. Here seven patients are presented with elevated intracranial pressure and cerebrospinal fluid suggestive of viral or aseptic meningitis. Of these, 1 hadEnterovirusand the remainder were diagnosed with nonspecific viral meningitis. These data suggest that viral meningitis may be associated with elevated intracranial pressure more often than is commonly recognized.Enterovirushas previously been associated with increased intracranial pressure only in rare case reports.


Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 393
Author(s):  
Geraint J. Sunderland ◽  
Michael D. Jenkinson ◽  
Elizabeth J. Conroy ◽  
Carrol Gamble ◽  
Conor L. Mallucci

The prevalence of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), a complex disorder, is increasing globally in association with obesity. The IIH syndrome occurs as the result of elevated intracranial pressure, which can cause permanent visual impairment and loss if not adequately managed. CSF diversion via ventriculoperitoneal and lumboperitoneal shunts is a well-established strategy to protect vision in medically refractory cases. Success of CSF diversion is compromised by high rates of complication; including over-drainage, obstruction, and infection. This review outlines currently used techniques and technologies in the management of IIH. Neurosurgical CSF diversion is a vital component of the multidisciplinary management of IIH.


Author(s):  
Mahmoud M. Allam ◽  
Hatem A. Almasry ◽  
Sandra M. Ahmed ◽  
Youssuf G. Taha ◽  
Mohammed I. Oraby

Abstract Background Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a disorder of increased intracranial pressure without a clear cause and can have serious visual effects. Previous research work suggests that transcranial Doppler measurements of pulsatility index correlate accurately with elevated intracranial pressure. Objective To assess the cerebrovascular hemodynamic changes in patients with IIH using transcranial Doppler before and after lumbar puncture and CSF withdrawal. Methods An interventional study conducted on 40 patients (31 females and 9 males) fulfilling the modified Dandy criteria for diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, MRI brain, and MRV was done to the patients. Lumbar puncture was done for all included patients to measure intracranial pressure and CSF withdrawal. Transcranial Doppler was performed for all included before and after lumbar puncture and CSF withdrawal and the following parameters were measured: peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), resistivity index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI). Results Significant relation was found between grades of papilledema and PSV, RI, and PI (p value 0.012, 0.025, 0.016) but no significant relation was found between grades of papilledema and EDV (0.102). Significant changes occurred in parameters of TCD pre- and post-CSF withdrawal including PSV, EDV, and PI (p value 0.001, 0.015, 0.019) denoting a significant change in cerebral hemodynamics after CSF withdrawal which denotes a decrease in intracranial pressure. Conclusion Increased intracranial pressure significantly affects cerebral blood flow. A normalization of transcranial Doppler parameters occurs following lowering of intracranial pressure through lumbar puncture and CSF withdrawal.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peng Yong Sim ◽  
Priyal Taribagil ◽  
Ione O. C. Woollacott ◽  
Safina Rashid ◽  
Desmond P. Kidd

Abstract Background The presentation of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in association with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is rare. Case presentation This case report depicts the unusual case of a 31-year-old woman of mixed Jamaican and English heritage with IIH who presented initially as IDA in the context of menorrhagia. Subsequent ophthalmic review, lumbar puncture, cerebrospinal fluid analysis and neuroimaging studies revealed severe bilateral optic disc swelling and raised intracranial pressure in keeping with IIH. Prompt treatment of IDA with blood transfusion and orally administered iron supplements, in addition to medical treatment for IIH, contributed to significant improvement of symptoms and prevented long-term visual deficits. Conclusion The possibility of IDA, albeit rare, should always be considered and investigated appropriately in all patients with IIH, as the treatment of the anemia alone may be sight-saving.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. e237504
Author(s):  
Rosa Maja Møhring Gynthersen ◽  
Helene Mens ◽  
Marianne Wegener ◽  
Neval Ete Wareham

We describe a 61-year-old man living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART), who presented with headache, dizziness and blurred vision. Latest CD4+ cell count 3 months prior to admission was 570×106 cells/mL and HIV viral load <20 copies/mL. The patient was diagnosed with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lymphocytic pleocytosis, raised intracranial pressure and papilloedema. Neuroimaging showed normal ventricular volume and no mass lesions, suggesting (1) neuroinfection (2) idiopathic intracranial hypertension or (3) retroviral rebound syndrome (RRS) as possible causes. Neuroinfection was ruled out and idiopathic intracranial hypertension seemed unlikely. Elevated plasma HIV RNA level was detected consistent with reduced ART adherence prior to admission. RRS is a virological rebound after ART interruption, which can mimic the acute retroviral syndrome of acute primary infection. To the best of our knowledge, we describe the second case of RRS presenting as CSF lymphocytic pleocytosis and elevated intracranial pressure after low ART adherence.


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