Broadening the clinical spectrum: unusual presentation of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid hypovolemia

2003 ◽  
Vol 98 (4) ◽  
pp. 903-907 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis A. Nowak ◽  
Sven-Olaf Rodiek ◽  
Jürgen Zinner ◽  
Albrecht Guhlmann ◽  
Helge Topka

✓ The syndrome of spontaneous intracranial hypotension is characterized by orthostatic headaches in conjunction with reduced cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure or CSF volume, and characteristic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings. A 50-year-old man presented with a 1-year history of paroxysmal ataxia of gait and short attacks of blurred vision when he stood up from a recumbent position and began to walk. Orthostatic headache was not a feature of his clinical presentation. Magnetic resonance images of the brain revealed diffuse enhancement of the dura mater and hygromas over both cerebral convexities. Magnetic resonance images of the spine demonstrated dilated cervical epidural veins and dilation of the perimedullary veins. Radionuclide cisternography identified a CSF leakage that was localized to the T12—L1 level on subsequent myelograms and on computerized tomography scans obtained after the myelograms. An epidural blood patch was administered and visualized with tungsten powder. The patient's clinical symptoms and sites of disease on imaging completely resolved. The unusual clinical presentation in this case—paroxysmal ataxia of gait, lack of orthostatic headaches, and dilated epidural and perimedullary venous plexus—supports a recently noted broadening of both the clinical and imaging characteristics of spontaneous intracranial hypovolemia.

2002 ◽  
Vol 97 (2) ◽  
pp. 467-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
John B. Weigele ◽  
John C. Chaloupka ◽  
Walter S. Lesley

✓ The authors report a case in which the clinical and neuroimaging findings were initially considered diagnostic of a brainstem glioma. Angiography revealed a deep venous system (galenic) dural arteriovenous fistula causing brainstem interstitial edema. Successful endovascular surgery resulted in complete clinical recovery of the patient and resolution of the structural abnormalities that had been observed on magnetic resonance images. The neuroimaging and therapeutic significance of this case are discussed.


1991 ◽  
Vol 74 (5) ◽  
pp. 827-831 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umesh S. Vengsarkar ◽  
Venilal G. Panchal ◽  
Parimal D. Tripathi ◽  
Sushil V. Patkar ◽  
Alok Agarwal ◽  
...  

✓ Between January and April, 1990, three consecutive cases of syringomyelia were treated by percutaneous placement of thecoperitoneal shunts. Two of these patients had undergone craniovertebral decompression earlier at other centers and the third was treated primarily by a thecoperitoneal shunt. In each case, the syrinx was associated with Chiari I malformation, although the clinical presentation was due to a myelopathy. All three patients obtained unequivocal benefit from this simple procedure. Postoperative magnetic resonance images showed considerable shrinkage of the cysts corresponding with clinical improvement.


1998 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
John L. D. Atkinson ◽  
Brian G. Weinshenker ◽  
Gary M. Miller ◽  
David G. Piepgras ◽  
Bahram Mokri

Object. Spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage with development of the intracranial hypotension syndrome and acquired Chiari I malformation due to lumbar spinal CSF diversion procedures have both been well described. However, concomitant presentation of both syndromes has rarely been reported. The object of this paper is to present data in seven cases in which both syndromes were present. Three illustrative cases are reported in detail. Methods. The authors describe seven symptomatic cases of spontaneous spinal CSF leakage with chronic intracranial hypotension syndrome in which magnetic resonance (MR) images depicted dural enhancement, brain sagging, loss of CSF cisterns, and acquired Chiari I malformation. Conclusions. This subtype of intracranial hypotension syndrome probably results from chronic spinal drainage of CSF or high-flow CSF shunting and subsequent loss of brain buoyancy that results in brain settling and herniation of hindbrain structures through the foramen magnum. Of 35 cases of spontaneous spinal CSF leakage identified in the authors' practice over the last decade, MR imaging evidence of acquired Chiari I malformation has been shown in seven. Not to be confused with idiopathic Chiari I malformation, ideal therapy requires recognition of the syndrome and treatment directed to the site of the spinal CSF leak.


2000 ◽  
Vol 92 (5) ◽  
pp. 873-876 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akira Matsumura ◽  
Izumi Anno ◽  
Hiroshi Kimura ◽  
Eiichi Ishikawa ◽  
Tadao Nose

✓ The authors describe a case of spontaneous intracranial hypotension in which the leakage site was determined by using magnetic resonance (MR) myelography. This technique demonstrated the route of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, whereas other methods failed to show direct evidence of leakage. Magnetic resonance myelography is a noninvasive method that is highly sensitive in detecting CSF leakage. This is the first report in which a site of CSF leakage was detected using MR myelography.


2001 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey W. Brennan ◽  
David W. Rowed ◽  
Julian M. Nedzelski ◽  
Joseph M. Chen

Object. The aims of this study were to review the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage complicating the removal of acoustic neuroma and to identify factors that influence its occurrence and treatment. Methods. Prospective information on consecutive patients who underwent operation for acoustic neuroma was supplemented by a retrospective review of the medical records in which patients with CSF leaks complicating tumor removal were identified. This paper represents a continuation of a previously published series and thus compiles the authors' continuous experience over the last 24 years of practice. In 624 cases of acoustic neuroma the authors observed an overall incidence of 10.7% for CSF leak. The rate of leakage was significantly lower in the last 9 years compared with the first 15, most likely because of the abandonment of the combined translabyrinthine (TL)—middle fossa exposure. There was no difference in the leakage rate between TL and retrosigmoid (RS) approaches, although there were differences in the site of the leak (wound leaks occurred more frequently after a TL and otorrhea after an RS approach, respectively). Tumor size (maximum extracanalicular diameter) had a significant effect on the leakage rate overall and for RS but not for TL procedures. The majority of leaks ceased with nonsurgical treatments (18% with expectant management and 49% with lumbar CSF drainage). However, TL leaks (especially rhinorrhea) required surgical repair significantly more often than RS leaks. This has not been reported previously. Conclusions. The rate of CSF leakage after TL and RS procedures has remained stable. Factors influencing its occurrence include tumor size but not surgical approach. The TL-related leaks had a significantly higher surgical repair rate than RS-related leaks, an additional factor to consider when choosing an approach. The problem of CSF leakage becomes increasingly important as nonsurgical treatments for acoustic neuroma are developed.


2000 ◽  
Vol 93 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry W. S. Schroeder ◽  
Christiane Schweim ◽  
Klaus H. Schweim ◽  
Michael R. Gaab

Object. The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate aqueductal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow after endoscopic aqueductoplasty. In all patients, preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed hydrocephalus caused by aqueductal stenosis and lack of aqueductal CSF flow.Methods. In 14 healthy volunteers and in eight patients with aqueductal stenosis who had undergone endoscopic aqueductoplasty, aqueductal CSF flow was investigated using cine cardiac-gated phase-contrast MR imaging. For qualitative evaluation of CSF flow, the authors used an in-plane phase-contrast sequence in the midsagittal plane. The MR images were displayed in a closed-loop cine format. Quantitative through-plane measurements were performed in the axial plane perpendicular to the aqueduct. Evaluation revealed no significant difference in aqueductal CSF flow between healthy volunteers and patients with regard to temporal parameters, CSF peak and mean velocities, mean flow, and stroke volume. All restored aqueducts have remained patent 7 to 31 months after surgery.Conclusions. Aqueductal CSF flow after endoscopic aqueductoplasty is similar to aqueductal CSF flow in healthy volunteers. The data indicate that endoscopic aqueductoplasty seems to restore physiological aqueductal CSF flow.


2001 ◽  
Vol 94 (4) ◽  
pp. 642-645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chikanori Inenaga ◽  
Tokutaro Tanaka ◽  
Naoki Sakai ◽  
Shigeru Nishizawa

✓ The authors present the case of a 55-year-old man suffering from intractable spontaneous intracranial hypotension, in whom conservative treatment with 19 weeks of bed rest was not effective. In this period the patient twice underwent surgery for bilateral chronic subdural hematoma, a complication of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Conventional radionuclide cisternography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computerized tomography myelography did not demonstrate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. Repeated radionuclide cisternography with the patient in an upright position revealed leakage of the tracer at upper cervical levels. Computerized tomography myelography with breath holding also showed CSF leakage of the contrast medium bilaterally at upper cervical levels. The patient underwent surgery, and bilateral C-2 and C-3 spinal nerve root pouches were sealed off from the subarachnoid space with oxidized cellulose cotton and fibrin glue. Epiarachnoid spaces around the root sleeves were also sealed to ensure complete resolution of the CSF leakage. After the surgery, the patient was completely free of the disease. In the case of intractable persistent spontaneous intracranial hypotension, surgical treatment is preferable to long-term conservative management. To identify CSF leakage, radionuclide cisternography with the patient in the upright position is useful. When obvious leakage is encountered, surgical sealing of the lesion should be performed via a subarachnoid approach.


2002 ◽  
Vol 96 (3) ◽  
pp. 607-610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marjorie C. Wang ◽  
Ken R. Winston ◽  
Robert E. Breeze

✓ The authors report a case of cerebellar mutism arising from a hemorrhagic midbrain cavernous malformation in a 14-year-old boy. No cerebellar lesion was identified; however, edema of the dorsal midbrain was noted on postoperative magnetic resonance images. Dysarthric speech spontaneously returned and then completely resolved to normal speech. This case provides further evidence for the theory that involvement of the dentatothalamic tracts, and not a cerebellar lesion per se, is the underlying cause of “cerebellar” mutism.


1985 ◽  
Vol 63 (6) ◽  
pp. 970-972 ◽  
Author(s):  
James E. Wilberger ◽  
Adnan Abla ◽  
John Kennerdell ◽  
Joseph C. Maroon

✓ Mucoceles arising from accessory paranasal sinuses about the orbit are quite rare. A case is reported of a retro-orbital mucocele arising from the pterygoid recess of the sphenoid sinus. The clinical and anatomical presentations, computerized tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics, and laser surgical management of such lesions are described.


2005 ◽  
Vol 103 (5) ◽  
pp. 837-840 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandy J. Binning ◽  
Oren N. Gottfried ◽  
Anne G. Osborn ◽  
William T. Couldwell

Object. The fluid content of Rathke cleft cysts (RCCs) displays variable appearances on magnetic resonance (MR) images and can appear indistinguishable from other intrasellar or suprasellar cystic lesions. Intracystic nodules associated with individual RCCs have been noted, but to date their significance has not been fully explored. Methods. The authors retrospectively reviewed MR imaging studies obtained in patients harboring intrasellar or suprasellar lesions that were consistent with RCCs to identify the presence and imaging characteristics of intracystic nodules. An intracystic nodule was present in nine (45%) of 20 patients with an RCC. All intracystic nodules were clearly visible and displayed a characteristic low signal intensity on T2-weighted MR images. The nodule was only visualized on T1-weighted images in four cases, in which it exhibited a consistent high signal intensity similar to that of the cyst fluid. The nodules did not enhance following the intravenous administration of a contrast agent. Conclusions. Although it is difficult to differentiate RCCs from other sellar cystic lesions because of the variable signal intensities displayed on MR images, the intensity of the intracystic nodule seems consistent on T1- and T2-weighted images, and the nodule is always clearly visible on T2-weighted images. With a nonenhancing cystic lesion that does not cause significant symptoms in the patient, the identification of an intracystic nodule with a characteristic signal intensity will aid in the diagnosis of RCC and the selection of conservative management.


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