Venous Sinus Pulsatility and the Potential Role of Dural Incompetence in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

Neurosurgery ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
pp. 877-884 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc A. Lazzaro ◽  
Ziad Darkhabani ◽  
Bernd F. Remler ◽  
Sang H. Hong ◽  
Thomas J. Wolfe ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) remains a poorly understood and therapeutically challenging disease. Enthusiasm has emerged for endovascular therapy with stent reconstruction of dural sinus narrowing; however, a complete understanding of the hydrodynamic dysequilibrium is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To review and characterize catheter manometry findings including pulsatility changes within the venous sinuses in IIH. METHODS: Cases of venous sinus stent implantation for IIH were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Three cases of venous sinus stent implantation for treatment of IIH are reported. All cases demonstrated severe narrowing (>70%) within the transverse sinus and a high pressure gradient across the lesion (>30 mm Hg). Stent implantation resulted in pulsatility attenuation, correction of pressure gradient, and improvement of flow. CONCLUSION: We report the finding of high venous sinus pulsatility attenuation after stent implantation for dural sinus narrowing and propose the hypothesis that this finding is a marker of advanced dural sinus incompetence. This characteristic may be useful in identifying patients who would benefit from endovascular stent remodeling.

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 391-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Raper ◽  
Thomas J Buell ◽  
Dale Ding ◽  
Ching-Jen Chen ◽  
Robert M Starke ◽  
...  

ObjectiveVenous sinus stenting (VSS) is a safe and effective treatment for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) with angiographic venous sinus stenosis. However, predictors of stent-adjacent stenosis (SAS) remain poorly defined.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of 47 patients with IIH and intracranial venous stenosis who underwent VSS with pre- and post-stent venography. Patient characteristics, treatments and outcomes were reviewed. Changes in pressure gradient after VSS were classified according to pattern of gradient resolution into types I–III.ResultsType I gradient resolution, in which mean venous pressure (MVP) in the transverse sinus (TS) decreases towards MVP in the sigmoid sinus (SS), occurred in 18 patients (38.3%). Type II gradient resolution pattern, in which SS MVP increases towards that in the TS, occurred in 7patients (14.9%). Type III pattern, in which MVP equilibrates to a middle value, occurred in 22patients (46.8%). SAS occurred in 0%, 28.6%, and 22.7% of patients in types I, II and III, respectively. Compared with patients with type I gradient resolution, SAS was more common in those with type II (p=0.0181) and type III (p=0.0306) patterns.ConclusionsThe pattern of change in the trans-stenosis venous pressure gradient may be predictive of SAS and is a useful tool for classifying the response of the venous obstruction to stenting. A type I pattern appears to represent the ideal response to VSS. Some patients with type II and III changes, particularly if they have other predictors of recurrent stenosis, may benefit from longer initial stent constructs.


2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 513-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerry ME Koovor ◽  
Gloria V Lopez ◽  
Kalen Riley ◽  
Juan Tejada

Purpose Transverse sinus stenosis is commonly seen in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. It is not clear whether it is the cause or the result of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Stenting for idiopathic intracranial hypertension has been carried out in several prior series. Our goal was to evaluate the clinical and imaging follow-up results of patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension that underwent stenting for this condition at our center. Materials and Methods We reviewed the clinical, venographic and follow-up imaging data in patients who underwent elective transverse sinus stenting during the period from 2011 to 2017. Results In total, 18 patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension were identified. The mean lumbar cerebrospinal fluid opening pressure recorded was 408 mmH20. Overall, 16 patients met the inclusion criteria and underwent transverse sinus stenting. At venography, the mean pressure gradient across the dominant transverse sinus stenosis was 21 mmHg. The pressure gradient immediately after stenting in all of those measured was negligible. Following stenting, headaches improved in 10 of the 16 cases, with persistent headaches in four patients, one of which had persistent baseline migraines. All cases showed resolution of the papilledema on follow up. Follow-up imaging with computed tomography venography showed that the stents remained widely patent. The follow up in clinic was done for a mean period of 35.5 months. Follow up with computed tomography venography was done for a mean of 10.3 months. Conclusion Venous sinus stenting is a safe and effective procedure. It relieves papilledema in all cases and improves headaches in most cases.


2018 ◽  
Vol 129 (1) ◽  
pp. 153-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas J. Buell ◽  
Daniel M. S. Raper ◽  
I. Jonathan Pomeraniec ◽  
Dale Ding ◽  
Ching-Jen Chen ◽  
...  

Stenosis of the transverse sinus (TS) and sigmoid sinus (SS), with a trans-stenosis pressure gradient, has been implicated in the pathophysiology of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). MRI has shown improvement in TS and SS stenosis after high-volume lumbar puncture (HVLP) in a subset of patients with IIH. The authors present the first report of an IIH patient with immediate post-HVLP TS and SS trans-stenosis pressure gradient reduction and an attendant increase in TS and SS cross-sectional area confirmed using intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS). Recurrence of the patient’s TS-SS stenosis coincided with elevated HVLP opening pressure, and venous sinus stent placement resulted in clinical improvement. This report suggests that TS and SS stenosis may be a downstream effect of elevated intracranial pressure in IIH, rather than its principal etiological mechanism. However, the authors hypothesize that endovascular stenting may obliterate a positive feedback loop involving trans-stenosis pressure gradients, and still benefit appropriately selected patients.


2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. E11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin M. Cappuzzo ◽  
Ryan M. Hess ◽  
John F. Morrison ◽  
Jason M. Davies ◽  
Kenneth V. Snyder ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEIdiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a commonly occurring disease, particularly among young women of child-bearing age. The underlying pathophysiology for this disease has remained largely unclear; however, the recent literature suggests that focal outflow obstruction of the transverse sinus may be the cause. The purpose of this study was to report one group’s early experience with transverse venous sinus stenting in the treatment of IIH and assess its effectiveness.METHODSThe authors performed a retrospective chart review to identify patients who had undergone stenting of an outflow-obstructed transverse venous sinus for the treatment of IIH at Gates Vascular Institute between January 2015 and November 2017. Patient demographic data of interest included age, sex, BMI, and history of smoking, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, hormonal contraceptive use, and acetazolamide therapy. Each patient’s presenting signs and symptoms and whether those symptoms improved with treatment were reviewed. The average opening lumbar puncture (LP) pressure preprocedure, average pressure gradient across the obstructed segment prior to stenting, treatment failure rate (need for shunt placement), and mean follow-up period were calculated.RESULTSOf the 18 patients who had undergone transverse venous stenting for IIH, 16 (88.9%) were women. The mean age of all the patients was 38.3 years (median 38 years). Mean BMI was 34.2 kg/m2 (median 33.9 kg/m2). Presenting symptoms were headache (16 patients [88.9%]), visual disturbances (13 patients [72.2%]), papilledema (8 patients [44.4%]), tinnitus (3 patients [16.7%]), and auditory bruit (3 patients [16.7%]). The mean opening LP pressure pre-procedure was 35.6 cm H2O (median 32 cm H2O). The mean pressure gradient measured proximally and distally to the area of focal obstruction within the transverse sinus was 16.5 cm H2O (median 15 cm H2O). Postprocedurally, 14 patients (77.8%) continued to have headaches; 6 (33.3%) continued to have visual disturbances. No patients continued to have auditory bruit (0%) or papilledema (0%). One patient (5.6%) had new-onset tinnitus postprocedure. Overall improvement of symptoms was noted in 16 patients (88.9%) postprocedure, with 1 patient (5.6%) requiring shunt placement and 2 other patients (11.1%) requiring postprocedural LP to monitor intracranial pressure to determine candidacy for further surgical interventions to treat residual symptoms. The mean duration of follow-up was 194.2 days.CONCLUSIONSTransverse sinus stenting is a rapidly developing technique that has shown good effectiveness and safety in the literature. Authors of the present study found that stenting a flow-obstructed transverse sinus in patients with IIH was a safe and effective way to treat the condition.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2012 ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Marc A. Lazzaro ◽  
Ziad Darkhabani ◽  
Bernd F. Remler ◽  
Sang H. Hong ◽  
Thomas J. Wolfe ◽  
...  

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 867-874 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A Kumpe ◽  
Joshua Seinfeld ◽  
Xianchen Huang ◽  
Quelin Mei ◽  
David E Case ◽  
...  

BackgroundSome patients undergoing dural sinus stenting for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) develop clinical and hemodynamic failure (recurrence of the pressure gradient) owing to stent-adjacent stenosis.ObjectiveTo characterize factors associated with hemodynamic failure, and to describe outcomes of patients after repeat stenting.Materials and methodsWe reviewed the initial and follow-up clinical, venographic, and hemodynamic data in 39 patients with IIH treated over 17 years with stenting. Thirty-two had follow-up angiographic and hemodynamic data at 1–99 months (mean 27.6, median 19.5 months). Eight patients were treated with 12 repeat stenting procedures, including extended stenting into the superior sagittal sinus (SSS).ResultsAll patients had an initial successful hemodynamic result with the pressure gradient reduced from 10–43 to 0–7 mm Hg. 10/32 patients (31.3%), all women, developed new stenoses in the transverse sinus or posterior SSS above the stent with a recurrent pressure gradient. 7/9 patients with pure extrinsic stenosis of the transverse-sigmoid junction pre-stenting developed new stenoses and hemodynamic failure. All patients with hemodynamic failure who were restented had early and mid-term documented hemodynamic success at 1.7–50 months. They were free from papilledema at 3.8–50 months after the last restenting, and 11.5–99.5 months after initial stent placement (mean 45.3, median 38.5 months).ConclusionsPure extrinsic compression of the transverse-sigmoid junction and female gender were strongly associated with hemodynamic failure. Eight patients with hemodynamic failure who were restented had successful control of papilledema, including 4/4 who had extended stenting into the SSS.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 1173-1177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher R Durst ◽  
David A Ornan ◽  
Michael A Reardon ◽  
Prachi Mehndiratta ◽  
Sugoto Mukherjee ◽  
...  

Background and purposeWhile recent literature has described the prevalence of transverse sinus stenosis in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension, tinnitus, and refractory headaches, it is unclear what the prevalence is in the general population. This study evaluates the prevalence of venous sinus stenosis and hypoplasia in the general patient population.Materials and methods355 of 600 consecutive patients who underwent CT angiography of the head met the inclusion criteria. The diameters of the dural venous sinuses were recorded. Each study was evaluated by a neuroradiologist for the presence of stenoses. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed by a statistician.ResultsThe prevalence of unilateral transverse sinus stenosis or hypoplasia in a sample of patients representing the general population was 33%, the prevalence of bilateral transverse sinus stenosis was 5%, and the prevalence of unilateral stenosis with contralateral hypoplasia was 1%. A multivariate analysis identified arachnoid granulations as a predictor of stenosis (p<0.001). Gender trended toward significance (p=0.094). Race was not a significant predictor of stenosis (p=0.745).ConclusionsThe prevalence of bilateral transverse sinus stenosis in the general population is not trivial. These data may be used as a reference for understanding the mechanistic role of stenoses in idiopathic intracranial hypertension, tinnitus, and refractory headaches.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 382
Author(s):  
Dinesh Ramanathan ◽  
Zachary D. Travis ◽  
Emmanuel Omosor ◽  
Taylor Wilson ◽  
Nikhil Sahasrabudhe ◽  
...  

We describe a case of severe headaches, double vision, and progressive vision loss secondary to a ruptured intracranial cyst (IAC) in a 31-year-old woman with no relevant past medical history. The case is peculiar because drainage of the subdural hygroma led to a minimal improvement in vision with persistent elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). Further exploration revealed transverse sinus stenosis necessitating stenting. Evaluation post-stenting showed marked reduction of ICP and improvement in symptoms. This report underscores the importance of comprehensive work-up and suspicion of multiple underlying etiologies that may be crucial to complete resolution of presenting symptoms in some cases. We provide an overview of the clinical indications and evidence for venous sinus stenting in treating idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).


Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 508
Author(s):  
Robert K. Townsend ◽  
Kyle M. Fargen

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a debilitating condition that has traditionally been difficult to treat. In recent years, there has been increasing focus on the role of intracranial venous hypertension in the pathophysiology of IIH. Based on increased understanding of this pathophysiology, venous sinus stenting (VSS) has emerged as a safe and reliable treatment for a certain population of patients with IIH. Stratifying patients with IIH based on the status of their venous outflow can provide insight into which patients may enjoy reduction in their symptoms after VSS and provides information regarding why some patients may have symptom recurrence. The traditional view of IIH as a disease due to obesity in young women has been cast into doubt as the understanding of the role of intracranial venous hypertension has improved.


Author(s):  
Yazan Radaideh

Introduction : Although venous sinus stenting is an established treatment for medically refractory idiopathic intracranial hypertension, a subset of patients shows little or no improvement of symptoms after stenting. While this could be related to a number of factors, failure to sufficiently address the pressure gradient is one that can be recognized during the treatment procedure. We describe two patients who had a persistent venous pressure gradient after stent placement. Once identified, a second stent was placed with subsequent resolution of the pressure gradient. Methods : This retrospective chart review identified patients at a single institution who underwent venous sinus stenting and required immediate placement of a second venous sinus stent for a persistent pressure gradient. Results : Two patients with refractory idiopathic intracranial hypertension underwent cerebral angiography with venous manometry. In the first patient, unilateral venous sinus stenosis was present with a maximum pressure of 50 mmHg, which only decreased to 30 mmHg after placement of a right transverse‐sigmoid sinus stent. Subsequent manometry revealed a persistent gradient between the superior sagittal sinus and the right transverse sinus, which resolved after placement of a second stent in this location. In the second patient, bilateral stenosis was observed at the transverse‐sigmoid sinus junction; the maximum venous pressure was 40 mmHg, and a gradient of 30 mmHg was measured at the right transverse‐sigmoid junction, where a venous sinus stent was placed. Venous sinus pressure measurements performed immediately after the stent placement demonstrated a persistent pressure gradient of 20 mmHg in the contralateral transverse‐sigmoid sinus junction, which resolved after contralateral stent placement. Both patients showed sustained improvement in their symptoms at 1 year follow up. Conclusions : In some patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension and venous sinus stenosis, a single stent may not sufficiently reduce the pressure gradient. A second stent may be required; however, this is only detectable with post‐stent pressure measurements. Performing manometry after stent placement should be routinely performed in order to detect persistent venous pressure gradient.


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