Long-term follow-up of idiopathic intracranial hypertension: the Iowa experience

Swelling of Atrophic Optic Discs in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

BACKGROUND

Monitoring patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and optic atrophy may be difficult as papilledema may not be appreciable on ophthalmoscopy. This retrospective chart review evaluated whether papilledema recurrence can be detected in this population using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

METHODS

Serial clinical assessments, ophthalmoscopy, and peripapillary OCT were reviewed in a cohort of patients with IIH and optic atrophy. Atrophy was defined as moderate if average peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness was ≤80 μm and severe if average pRNFL thickness was ≤60 μm on at least 2 consecutive high-quality OCT scans. Based on the upper tolerance limit of test-retest variability, mean pRNFL elevation of ≥6 μm with subsequent decrease to baseline thickness was considered papilledema.

RESULTS

In a cohort of 165 patients with IIH, 32 eyes of 20 patients and 22 eyes of 12 patients demonstrated moderate and severe optic atrophy, respectively. Over a median follow-up of 198.5 weeks (range, 14.0-428.9), 63.3% (19 of 30) of patients had at least 1 episode of relapse, and 50.0% (15 of 30) had at least 1 episode of papilledema. There was a total of 36 relapse episodes, of which 7 occurred in patients with clinical signs and symptoms but no OCT evidence of relapse, 12 occurred in patients with OCT changes but no clinical signs and symptoms of relapse, and 17 occurred in patients with both clinical and OCT evidence to support relapse. The median percent pRNFL increase in the latter 2 groups was 13.7% (range, 7.5-111.8), and 7 eyes (13.0%) of 5 patients (16.7%) showed thickening greater than 20.0% from baseline. The rate, magnitude, and concordance of pRNFL swelling were similar between moderately vs severely atrophic eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

Papilledema recurrence can be detected in atrophic optic discs using OCT. All patients with atrophic IIH should be longitudinally monitored with pRNFL measurement. Concurrence of other relapse-suggestive features should prompt further evaluation.

Longitudinal optical coherence tomography indices in idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) may result in optic nerve fiber loss and even atrophy. The timing of the optical coherence tomography (OCT) indices reaching the lowest point (nadir) and the factors that predict the patient's anatomical outcome are not known. We aimed to determine the timing and the factors that affect nadir retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. The medical records of 99 IIH patients who were treated from December 2009 to January 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The mean RNFL thickness at presentation was 263.5 ± 106.4 µm. The mean time to nadir was 7.9 ± 6.3 months. The average RNFL and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness at the nadir were 92.6 ± 14.5 µm (47% showed thinning) and 77.9 ± 27.8 µm (70% showed thinning), respectively. The Frisén disc edema stage and average RNFL thickness at baseline correlated with a longer time to nadir, (r = 0.28 P = 0.003 and r = 0.24, P = 0.012, respectively). The nadir average RNFL thickness and the nadir average GCC thickness (r = 0.32, P = 0.001, r = 0.29, P = 0.002, respectively) correlated with the baseline visual field mean deviation. The final anatomical outcome of IIH episodes in this study resulted in RNFL and GCC thinning. The time to RNFL nadir and its values correlated with IIH severity at presentation.

Stenting versus medical treatment for idiopathic intracranial hypertension: a matched-control study

BACKGROUND

This prospective cohort study compared the outcomes of stenting and medical treatment for patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and venous sinus stenosis (VSS).

METHODS

In this single-center cohort study, patients with IIH and VSS were evaluated between January 2014 and December 2019 with follow-up periods of 1, 3, and 6 months. The patients received either stenting or medical treatment. The two groups underwent 1:1 matching using propensity score analysis, and the clinical outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

Following 1:1 matching, 36 patients who underwent stenting and 36 who underwent medical treatment were matched. The median improvements in the papilledema Frisén grade were greater in the stenting group at 1 month (-2 vs 0), 3 months (-3 vs -1), and 6 months (-3 vs -1) than in the medical treatment group. Patients who received stenting treatment had a significantly higher prevalence of complete resolution of their respective symptoms (headache, tinnitus, or visual disturbances) at 3 months (58.3% vs 13.9%, OR 8.68, 95% CI 2.74 to 27.52) and 6 months (80.6% vs 22.2%, OR 14.50, 95% CI 4.64 to 45.32) than those receiving medical treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

This matched-control study shows that stenting has a greater efficacy rate and rapid resolution of papilledema and its respective symptoms compared with medical treatment.

Venous sinus stenting for idiopathic intracranial hypertension patients with functioning ventriculoperitoneal shunts: A case series

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a disease defined by increased intracranial pressure and associated with a variety of symptoms ranging from headaches to tinnitus. Ventricular peritoneal shunting has been the mainstay treatment for patients with IIH. Although VPS's have shown efficacy in treating IIH, some patients complain of refractory symptoms even with functioning VPS's. Venus stenting has emerged as a new technique for treating these refractory symptoms. Despite the scarce literature pertaining its efficacy and safety profile, several small studies have shown promising results. In this case series, four patients with IIH complained of refractory symptoms despite functioning VPS's and were treated with venous stenting.

Dural Venous Sinus Stenting in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: A National Database Study of 541 Patients

BACKGROUND

Dural venous sinus stenting (VSS) is an effective intervention for patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) refractory to medical treatment. Our goal was to evaluate the efficacy by utilizing a large multi-institutional sample.

METHODS

Five hundred forty-one patients >18 years old who underwent VSS within 3 years of IIH diagnosis were queried using Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes from the TriNetX Analytics Network. Patient demographics, baseline symptoms, procedures, and clinical outcomes were evaluated within 1 year postoperatively. Outcomes examined were headache, tinnitus, blindness/low vision, optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt, and use of medications (acetazolamide, methazolamide, furosemide, topiramate, tricyclic antidepressants, and valproate) for IIH. Prestent and poststent data were compared using Fisher exact test, and the odds ratios were computed using the Baptista-Pike method.

RESULTS

The mean age at VSS was 36.7 ± 10.6; 92% were female, 65% of patients were Caucasian, 25% were Black/African American, 1% were Asian, and 9% were of other/unknown race. Within the 1-year follow-up, acetazolamide and topiramate use were significantly reduced post-VSS (P < 0.0001∗; odds ratio, 0.45; confidence interval, 0.35-0.57 and P = 0.03∗; odds ratio, 0.71; confidence interval, 0.52-0.95, respectively). Also, headaches, visual disturbance, dizziness/giddiness, and tinnitus significantly improved post-VSS (P < 0.005∗). Finally, the number of CSF shunt procedures and ONSF procedures demonstrated no significant change post-VSS (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

VSS is an effective and safe procedure resulting in significant improvement of headaches, visual impairment, dizziness, and tinnitus, acetazolamide and topiramate usage were lower after VSS in patients with IIH. The paucity of pre-VSS and post-VSS CSF shunt and ONSF procedure data does not provide enough evidence to establish significance.

The significance of ONSD, ONSD/ETD ratio, and other neuroimaging parameters in idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Background: The measurement of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) has been suggested to be used in the evaluation of intracranial pressure of several etiologies. However, its potential utility in the clinical evaluation of patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) needs to be clarified.Methods: We recruited all the IIH patients who had been admitted to our neurology clinics and had a cranial MRI before lumbar puncture investigation. A control group of patients with migraine was also included. Studies were reviewed blindly by a radiologist, and ONSD and ONSD/ eyeball transverse diameter (ETD) for both eyes were measured.Results: Ultimately, we have enrolled 50 patients with IIH and 53 migraineurs. The right ONSD values were higher in the IIH group (p = 0.024) whereas the values of ONSD/ETD were found to be both higher in the IIH group (right: p = 0.006, left: p = 0.043). The ROC curve demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.620 (95% CI = 0.508 to 0.731) for ONSD, and it was 0.642 for ONSD/ETD. Using a cut-off of 6.3 mm, ONSD had the following performance characteristics: sensitivity 18%, specificity 81%.Conclusions: The ONSD and ONSD/ETD values may be utilizable in the evaluation processes of IIH patients; however, they do not solely reach sufficient discriminative accuracy. The potential significance of these parameters in rather monitoring the IIH patients may constitute a strictly crucial topic of interest for future research.

Evaluating the optic nerve stiffness and optic nerve sheath diameter in idiopathic intracranial hypertension patients after the resolution of papilledema

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to investigate the optic nerve's elastic properties and optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) using shear-wave elastography (SWE) in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) compared to healthy individuals.

METHODS

The study included 22 IIH patients and 15 healthy subjects. SWEs were performed on the optic nerve and ONSD, and optic nerve stiffness were measured.

RESULTS

The patients with IIH demonstrated higher stiffness of the optic nerve compared with that of healthy volunteers (P < 0.001). The optic nerve sheath diameter of the optic nerve in the IIH group was significantly larger than that in the control group (P < 0.001). There was no correlation between the disease duration and SWE values in the Spearman correlation test.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that ONSD can be used as a follow-up method in the treatment of IIH. However, there was not any correlation between the disease duration and SWE-based stiffness measurement of the optic nerve.

Long term outcomes of idiopathic intracranial hypertension: Observational study and literature review

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is an unexplained increase in intracranial pressure often associated with obesity. The aim of this study was to conduct a retrospective observational study of the long term clinical, visual, and treatment outcomes in IIH patients.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study of patients diagnosed with IIH over a 12-year period at a single centre was completed via database review. Demographic data, symptoms at baseline and last visit, treatments undertaken, and duration of follow-up were included. Visual outcomes, including visual acuity, colour vision, 30-2 Humphrey automated perimetry data, and retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFL), were collected at baseline and last visit.

RESULTS

IIH was diagnosed in 132 patients (90.9 % female) with a median of 2.8 years (range: 0-9.1) follow-up. Mean BMI was 35.9 ± 7.9 kg/m2. Symptoms at presentation were headache (87.6 %), pulsatile tinnitus (27.2 %) and transient visual obscurations (27.2 %). First-line management was acetazolamide in 86.4 %, with 34.2 % of these patients ceasing treatment because of adverse events. Visual field measures and RNFL at last follow-up improved when compared to baseline (median MD: - 1.99 dB (IQR -3.6 to -0.9) to -0.85 (-2.1 to 0.0) (p < 0.001), median RNFL: 132 μm (IQR 116 - 183) to 103 (92 - 113) (p < 0.001)). Some patients (6.1 %) required surgery for more severe IIH.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term symptomatic and visual prognosis in IIH patients is excellent. However, a subset of patients with more severe disease require surgical intervention. Adverse events of treatment lead to high medication discontinuation rates.

Utility of CT venography in monitoring stent patency in idiopathic intracranial hypertension: retrospective single-center study

BACKGROUND

Cerebral venous sinus stenting is an established treatment for patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), refractory to medical management and with stenotic venous sinus on conventional cerebral venography. Currently, there are no clear guidelines on optimal noninvasive imaging modality for routine post-stenting follow-up. We investigated diagnostic yield of CT venography (CTV) for evaluation of stent patency.

METHODS

We reviewed our clinical database of patients with a diagnosis of IIH, who underwent stenting of stenotic transverse or transverse/sigmoid sinus junction. Patients who had follow-up CTVs after more than 30 days were included in the final study group. All CTVs were reviewed by two readers for in-stent thrombosis, extrinsic stent compression, juxta-stent stenosis, and new contralateral venous sinus stenosis. Inter-observer agreement and association of stent patency with clinical outcomes (headache and papilledema) were assessed.

RESULTS

In all 36 included patients with 38 cerebral venograms for stenting, follow-up CTVs demonstrated adequate opacifications of the venous sinuses and stents for confident evaluation for in-stent thrombosis, extrinsic stent compression, juxta-stent stenosis, and new contralateral venous sinus stenosis, with inter-observer agreement coefficient of 0.7, 1.0, 0.8, and 1.0 respectively. Association between abnormal CTV and higher rates of persistent headache and lower rates of headache improvement/resolution was statistically significant (P-value of 0.01).

CONCLUSION

CTV is a reliable noninvasive imaging modality for evaluation of cerebral venous sinuses and stent patency following treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension with venous sinus stenting and could be used as a routine follow-up study.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension in patients with anemia: A retrospective observational study

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) mostly affects obese women in childbearing age, leading to frustrating headache and permanent visual impairment. The exact etiology of this condition is poorly understood, and the population at risk and clinical presentation seems to be homogeneous. However, little attention has been paid to the clinical features of IIH patients with anemia. We herein performed a retrospective observational study by using the data of patients with presumed IIH who were referred to the neurology department of Beijing Tongren Hospital from January 2014 to August 2019 to describe the clinical features and radiological findings in patients with IIH and anemia, and compared these with those without anemia. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of anemic diseases. Clinical data including demographic characteristics, clinical features, past medical history, laboratory and neuroradiological findings, diagnoses, treatments and prognosis of these patients were reviewed and compared in both the groups. A total of 153 patients with IIH were enrolled, which included 22 cases with anemia (mean age, 33.23±9.68 years; 19 [86.36%] female) and 131 cases without anemia (mean age 37.11±11.56 years; 97 [74.05%] female). In the anemia group, 19/22 cases had iron deficiency anemia and 3/22 had renal anemia. Compared with patients in the non-anemia group, IIH patients with anemia had a shorter disease course, and tended to present pulsatile tinnitus and transverse sinus stenosis (TSS), faster and better prognosis after treatments for correcting anemia and reducing intracranial pressure. Our findings highlighted the importance of obtaining full blood counts in IIH patients with subacute onset, and provided appropriate and prompt treatments if proven anemic in order to bring better outcomes.

Dural venous sinus stenting for treatment of pediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension

BACKGROUND

Dural venous sinus stenting (VSS) is an effective treatment for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in adult patients. There are no published series to date evaluating safety and efficacy of VSS in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE

To report on procedural device selection and technique as well as safety and efficacy of VSS for pediatric patients with medically refractory IIH due to underlying venous sinus stenosis.

METHODS

A multi-institutional retrospective case series identified patients with medically refractory IIH aged less than 18 years who underwent VSS.

RESULTS

14 patients were identified at four participating centers. Patient ages ranged from 10 to 17 years, and 10 patients (71.4%) were female. Mean body mass index was 25.7 kg/m² (range 15.8-34.6 kg/m²). Stenting was performed under general endotracheal anesthesia in all except two patients. The average trans-stenotic gradient during diagnostic venography was 10.6 mm Hg. Patients had stents placed in the superior sagittal sinus, transverse sinus, sigmoid sinus, occipital sinus, and a combination. Average follow-up was 1.7 years after stenting. Six patients out of 10 (60%) had reduced medication dosing, 12 of 14 patients (85.7%) had improvements in headaches, two patients (100%) with pre-stent tinnitus had resolution of symptoms, and four (80%) of five patients with papilledema had improvement on follow-up ophthalmological examinations. Two patients (14.3%) developed postprocedural groin hematomas, one patient (7.1%) developed a groin pseudoaneurysm, and one patient (7.1%) had postprocedural groin bleeding. No other procedural complications occurred. Four patients (28.6%) required further surgical treatment (cerebrospinal shunting and/or stenting) after their first stenting procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

This series suggests that VSS is feasible in a pediatric population with IIH and has a low complication rate and good clinical outcomes.

Antipsychotic pitfalls: idiopathic intracranial hypertension and antipsychotic-induced weight gain

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition associated with poor vision and headaches that can cause disability and reduced quality of life. The onset of IIH is typically associated with sudden weight gain and obesity, which may be due to first-generation or second-generation antipsychotics. This case involved the use of quetiapine in an obese, 28-year-old woman; she gained significant weight after starting the antipsychotic and later developed headaches and blurred vision. Reducing quetiapine and administering acetazolamide significantly improved her symptoms within 4 weeks. This case reminds physicians to consider IIH as a cause of headache and vision loss in patients who have gained weight after starting or increasing quetiapine.

Role of Adjunct Treatments for Idiopathic CSF Leaks After Endoscopic Repair

OBJECTIVE

A higher incidence of recurrent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks has been reported with idiopathic CSF leaks. A growing number of institutions advocate for routine use of intracranial pressure-lowering adjunct treatments after endoscopic repair. We report our results in a patient cohort in which only symptomatic patients are subjected to further testing and treatment.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients who underwent endoscopic transnasal repair of idiopathic CSF rhinorrhea was performed at the University of Miami, Florida, from July 2010 to July 2017. The database was queried for demographical data, surgical details, radiological findings, and postoperative outcomes. Only patients with greater than a 12-month follow-up were included.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients underwent endoscopic repair of an idiopathic CSF leak. Twenty-six (79%) were females, with an average age of entire study population being 48 years. The average body mass index (BMI) of the cohort was 33 kg/m² , with 89% being overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m² ). The skull base defect was found to be mainly at the cribriform plate (64%) and sphenoid sinus (30%). Endoscopic repair was performed successfully as a single repair in 32 patients (97%). The average follow-up was 47 months. Postoperative adjunct medications were used on four patients (12%) with symptomatic idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic repair of idiopathic CSF leaks was found to have a high rate of success in our study. Postoperatively, only four patients required additional measures to medically reduce symptomatic intracranial hypertension. Routine postoperative adjunct treatments are unnecessary and may expose patients to adverse long-term side effects.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 131:41-47, 2021.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension: Proposal of a stratification strategy for monitoring risk of disease progression

OBJECTIVES

A general consensus based on a multidisciplinary perspective involving an international panel was recently developed for management of patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). In this paper, the authors sought to develop further on the aspect of this consensus that concerns monitoring progression of the disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A systematic literature review of previous publications on monitoring disease progression in IIH and a meta-analysis to examine efficacy of method of monitoring employed in each study. The authors present a brief descriptive analysis of challenges with monitoring progression of the disease and propose a risk stratification to aid monitoring.

RESULTS

Of a total of 382 publications identified from the literature search, only 8 studies (144 patients) satisfied inclusion criteria and were included for analysis. Among these, 3 were based on ICP monitoring while the remaining 5 focused on ophthamological evaluation. Interestingly, there were neither any studies on monitoring with progression of clinical features nor any study on monitoring with symptomatology associated with IIH among the selected studies.

CONCLUSION

There is a paucity of studies in the literature on methods of monitoring disease progression in IIH. Though close attention to adequate evaluation and proper care of patients with IIH remains the key in managing this problem, this proposed risk stratification will be an objective tool and useful guide to better monitor these patients according to their extent of risk from the disease and possibly for planning treatment and intervention.

Long-term visual outcome in a Danish population of patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension

PURPOSE

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is characterized by raised intracranial pressure (ICP), normal cerebrospinal composition and exclusion of alternative causes to increased ICP. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term visual outcome in a Danish population of IIH patients.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of 41 women diagnosed with IIH between June 2007 and March 2013. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), colour vision, grade and type of visual field (VF) defects and grade of papilloedema according to the Modified Frisén Score were recorded at baseline visit (V0), 2-6 months (V1) and 13 months follow-up visit (V2) from time of diagnosis.

RESULTS

Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was reduced in 25% of eyes at V0, in 10% at V1 and in 15% at V2. Colour vision was barely affected. Visual field (VF) was affected (>grade 0) in 87% of eyes at V0 and VF defect grade significantly improved by 0.58 at V1 (p-value <0.0001) and by 0.55 at V2 (p-value <0.001). The most common type of VF defect at V0 was a nerve fibre layer defect (56.4%), and the second most common type was an enlarged blind spot (20.5%). There was no correlation between BCVA and VF defect type. Mean grade of papilloedema decreased from 2.2 at V0 to 0.5 at V2. The grade of papilloedema at V2 was not significantly related to the severity of papilloedema at V0 (p-values 0.65 and 0.48).

CONCLUSION

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is associated with long-term loss of visual function, and relevant treatment strategies need to be improved.

Recommendations for the selection and treatment of patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension for venous sinus stenting

INTRODUCTION

Although venous sinus stenting (VSS) has emerged as a promising treatment option for patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and associated venous sinus stenosis, there is considerable ambiguity regarding patient selection criteria, treatment protocols, and management strategies.

METHODS

An extensive literature review was performed to identify all reports of VSS in patients with IIH using PubMed. Recommendations for the selection and treatment of patients with IIH with VSS are outlined as determined based on author opinion from supporting studies. Due to the lack of randomized trials and few published prospective studies, standard grading scales for recommendations and level of evidence are not fully applicable and therefore a revised grading scale has been provided for recommendations.

RESULTS

The literature review identified a total of eight systematic reviews or meta-analyses and 29 published patient series on VSS. Recommendations for patient selection for diagnostic catheter angiography, angiography procedural considerations, stenting procedural considerations, and retreatment are provided based on the literature. Recommendations that were considered strong included: performance of venous sinus manometry to assess candidacy for treatment prior to stenting; administration of antiplatelet agents prior to stenting and for a follow-up period of at least 3-6 months; performance of post-stenting manometry to confirm resolution of pressure gradient; and performance of repeat angiography and manometry on patients with recurrence of symptoms after resolution with stenting to evaluate for recurrent stenosis.

CONCLUSION

VSS for patients with IIH with venous sinus stenosis is now an established and effective treatment option. These recommendations have been provided, based on a summative review of the available published literature, to assist in standardizing care for patients with IIH undergoing VSS.

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: Etiological factors, Clinical Features, and Prognosis

Introduction

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) occurs due to increased intracranial pressure (ICP), is most commonly encountered in obese women, and may lead to loss of vision. This study aimed to determine the demographic features, clinical signs and symptoms, and radiological findings of patients with IIH, and to investigate the factors associated with the prognosis.

Methods

Patients with IIH who were examined and followed-up between January 1992-January 2012 in the Neuro-ophthalmology Unit were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were diagnosed based on the modified Dandy criteria.

Results

The mean age of 59 patients included in the study (female, 88.1%) was 30.25±13.12 years. Reported complaints were headache (78.0%), transient visual obscuration (45.8%), nausea (32.2%), dizziness (16.9%), and diplopia (13.6%). Of the patients 69.4% had visual field deficits, and 71% had papilledema (66.1% were bilateral). The rate of obesity was 20.3%. The prognosis was good in 64.7% of the patients, and 35.3% of the patients clinically worsened. Recurrence of symptoms was observed in 33% of the patients and 4 patients had severe permanent vision loss. Demographic features, initial complaints, mean ICP, and pathological magnetic resonance imaging findings were not associated with the prognosis. Delay in treatment and generalized constriction in the visual field were associated with the poor prognosis.

Conclusion

Compared to patients with IIH in the western population, obesity was less frequent in the present study. Initial visual field defects, especially the generalized constriction and delay to treatment were related to poor prognosis. Cessation of medical treatment was a factor for recurrence. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment may subside the severity of permanent vision loss in fulminant IIH.

Perioptic Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

Purpose: To examine the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics along the entire optic nerve in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and papilledema by computed tomographic (CT) cisternography. Methods: Retrospective analysis of CT cisternographies in 16 patients with a history of IIH and papilledema (14 females and 2 males, mean age: 49 ± 16 years). Contrast loaded CSF (CLCSF) was measured in Hounsfield Units (HU) at three defined regions of interest (ROI) along the optic nerve (orbital optic nerve portion: bulbar and mid-orbital segment, intracranial optic nerve portion) and additionally in the basal cistern. The density measurements in ROI 1, ROI 2, and ROI 3 consist of measurements of the optic nerve complex: optic nerve sheath, CLCSF filled SAS and optic nerve tissue. As controls served a group of patients (mean age: 60 ± 19 years) without elevated intracranial pressure and without papilledema. Results: In IIH patients the mean CLCSF density in the bulbar segment measured 65 ± 53 HU on the right and 63 ± 35 HU on the left side, in the mid-orbital segment 68 ± 37 HU right and 60 ± 21 HU left. In the intracranial optic nerve portion 303 ± 137 HU right and 323 ± 169 HU left and in the basal cistern 623 ± 188 HU. Within the optic nerve the difference of CLCSF density showed a highly statistical difference (p < 0.001) between the intracranial optic nerve portion and the mid-orbital segment. CLCSF density was statistically significantly (p < 0.001) reduced in both intraorbital optic nerve segments in patients with IIH compared to controls. Conclusions: The current study demonstrates reduced CLCSF density within the orbital optic nerve segments in patients with IIH and papilledema compared to 12 controls without elevated intracranial pressure and without papilledema. Impaired CSF dynamics could be involved in the pathophysiology of optic nerve damage in PE in IIH.

Stenting of the Lateral Sinus in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension According to the Type of Stenosis

BACKGROUND

Over the past decade, stenting of lateral sinus stenosis has been used to treat idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Two types of stenoses have been identified: extrinsic and intrinsic.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to report the results of our use of this procedure to treat patients with extrinsic or intrinsic stenoses in idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied clinical, radiological, and manometric data from patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension who were treated at our institution between January 2009 and January 2015 by stenting of the lateral sinus.

RESULTS

Data were studied from 19 women and 2 men. Average body mass index was 29 kg/m 2 , and the median age at stenting was 33 years. Patients with extrinsic stenoses were younger than those with intrinsic stenoses. Transstenotic gradients measured with patients under general anesthesia were lower than those measured with patients under local anesthesia. In all cases, stenting was effective for papilledema and pulsatile tinnitus. Seventeen patients reporting headaches found that they disappeared completely after stenting. Two complications without long-term effects were reported.

CONCLUSION

Irrespective of the type of stenosis, stenting of lateral sinus stenoses is an effective treatment for intracranial hypertension symptoms. At our institution, this treatment has replaced draining of cerebrospinal fluid when treatment with acetazolamide has proved to be ineffective.

Obesity and Weight Loss in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: A Narrative Review

BACKGROUND

Most patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) are obese. Weight loss is felt to be an important factor in improving IIH. The mechanism by which weight loss leads to a reduction in elevated intracranial pressure is unclear. Evidence from prospective studies evaluating the role of weight loss in IIH is lacking.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We performed a detailed review of the published literature regarding the association of IIH and obesity, including proposed pathogenetic mechanisms, and the effect of weight loss and weight-loss interventions in IIH. References were identified by searching PubMed with the terms idiopathic intracranial hypertension and weight loss. Additional citations were found in the identified references.

RESULTS

Over 90% of IIH patients are obese or overweight. The risk of IIH increases as a function of body mass index (BMI) and weight gain over the preceding year. The risk of IIH-induced vision loss also increases with increasing BMI, especially with BMI >40 kg/m. Several mechanisms have been proposed linking obesity to the development of IIH but the pathophysiology remains unknown. Published studies and clinical observations strongly support weight loss as an effective treatment, although there are no prospective controlled trials. Weight loss in the range of 6%-10% often leads to IIH remission. Weight loss of ≥5% at 1 year is achieved in roughly 50%-70% of patients if they are enrolled in a high-intensity lifestyle modification program and in 20%-35% of patients if they direct their own weight loss. Weight is typically regained over 1-3 years but about a third of patients maintain ≥5% weight loss over the long term. Patients treated initially with lifestyle modification therapy show a modest persisting benefit over self-directed patients. Selected commercial weight loss programs also may improve long-term maintenance of weight loss. New antiobesity drugs significantly improve the proportion of obese patients who have ≥5% loss of weight at 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity is an important contributing factor for the development of IIH, although the pathophysiological mechanism linking obesity to IIH is unknown. The risk of developing IIH and associated visual loss increases with increasing BMI. Weight loss is an effective treatment for IIH. Long-term maintenance of initial weight loss is helped modestly by lifestyle modification programs and possibly by selected commercial weight loss programs. New antiobesity drugs may provide further options for IIH therapy in the future.

Pattern of pressure gradient alterations after venous sinus stenting for idiopathic intracranial hypertension predicts stent-adjacent stenosis: a proposed classification system

Objective

Venous 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.

Methods

We 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.

Results

Type 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.

Conclusions

The 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.

A new index for the assessment of transverse sinus stenosis for diagnosing idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Background and purpose

To assess the role of MR venography (MRV) for detecting transverse sinus stenosis, to determine the importance of this finding in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), and to propose an index that contributes to this diagnosis.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively assessed consecutive intracranial MRV of patients aged >18 years diagnosed with IIH according to the diagnostic criteria, between January 2010 and July 2012. The assessments were randomly analyzed by three radiologists. Stenoses in the right and left transverse sinuses were independently classified according to the following scale: 0, normal; 1, stenosis <33%; 2, stenosis 33–66%; 3, stenosis >66%; and 4, hypoplasia or agenesis. We established an index based on multiplication of the stenosis scale values for each transverse sinus. A point and range estimate of the sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was performed to obtain cut-off points to differentiate between controls and patients.

Results

63 individuals were included in this study: 32 (50.8%) diagnosed with IIH (31 (96.9%) women and 1 (3.1%) man) and 31 (49.2%) controls. According to all of the examiners, the IIH group showed a higher degree of stenosis than the control group. Index values ≥4 for a diagnosis of IIH had a sensitivity and specificity of 94.7% and 93.5%, respectively.

Conclusions

MRV should be used to assess patients with suspected IIH, and bilateral transverse sinus stenosis should be considered for the diagnosis. The stenosis classifying index proposed here is a fast and accessible method for diagnosing IIH.

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension – Pathophysiology Based on Case Series

According to the definition, idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a pathological state characterized by an increase in intracranial pressure; however, there are no obvious intracranial pathological processes. The pathophysiology of this disorder is not clear, although there are many reports related to it.

We present an overview of possible etiopathogenetic mechanisms, clinical presentations and therapeutic interventions from a series of patients hospitalized with the clinical picture and final diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). All data were collected from the moment of IIH diagnosis as well as three months later.

The obtained data showed that IIH is a disease that primarily affects obese women in early and midlife. The positive correlation between values of cerebrospinal fluid pressure and body mass index was observed. The disorders of sexual hormones were identified as a possible etiology for IIH female patients. Headache, papilloedema, decreased visual acuity, vertigo and cranial nerve palsy were identified as the most prevalent IIH clinical presentations. The existence of stenosis and hypoplasia of the sigmoid and transverse sinus were confirmed only in one third of IIH patients. Pharmacotherapy combined with weight loss was efficacious in a large number of patients. In this series, there were no short-term consequences of IIH.

The results suggest the importance of early and accurate looking for IIH in obese early and midlife women with any hormonal imbalances having a variety of neurological expression, mostly presented as headaches and visual disturbances. Early detection of IIH might influence the timely treatment and prevent far-reaching and severe clinical consequences.

The diagnosis and management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension and the associated headache

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a challenging disorder with a rapid increasing incidence due to a close relation to obesity. The onset of symptoms is often insidious and patients may see many different specialists before the IIH diagnosis is settled. A summary of diagnosis, symptoms, headache characteristics and course, as well as existing evidence of treatment strategies is presented and strategies for investigations and management are proposed.

Understanding idiopathic intracranial hypertension: mechanisms, management, and future directions

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a disorder characterised by raised intracranial pressure that predominantly affects young, obese women. Pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated, but several causal factors have been proposed. Symptoms can include headaches, visual loss, pulsatile tinnitus, and back and neck pain, but the clinical presentation is highly variable. Although few studies have been done to support evidence-based management, several recent advances have the potential to enhance understanding of the causes of the disease and to guide treatment decisions. Investigators of the Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Treatment Trial (IIHTT) reported beneficial effects of acetazolamide in patients with mild visual loss. Studies have also established weight loss as an effective disease-modifying treatment, and further clinical trials to investigate new treatments are underway. The incidence of idiopathic intracranial hypertension is expected to increase as rates of obesity increase; efforts to reduce diagnostic delays and identify new, effective approaches to treatment will be key to meeting the needs of a growing number of patients.

Visual Outcome and Recurrence Rate in Children With Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the visual outcome and recurrence rate of idiopathic intracranial hypertension in children. The study included 68 patients who were diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension according to the modified Dandy criteria. Permanent visual impairment was rare. Three percent remained with mild visual impairment, 4% with minimal visual field defects, and only 1 patient had severe visual impairment. However, 26% had either a prolonged course of disease or a recurring condition. Higher cerebrospinal fluid opening pressure was the only clinical predictor at presentation (P = .04). Recurrence rate was 18%, and in most cases, the second episode occurred during the first year after remission. There was no significant difference between the group of patients with only 1 episode and the group of patients with more than 1 episode. We suggest long-term follow-up after remission, for at least a year, for all children with idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

Papilledema: epidemiology, etiology, and clinical management

Papilledema is optic disc swelling due to high intracranial pressure. Possible conditions causing high intracranial pressure and papilledema include intracerebral mass lesions, cerebral hemorrhage, head trauma, meningitis, hydrocephalus, spinal cord lesions, impairment of cerebral sinus drainage, anomalies of the cranium, and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Irrespective of the cause, visual loss is the feared morbidity of papilledema, and the main mechanism of optic nerve damage is intraneuronal ischemia secondary to axoplasmic flow stasis. Treatment is directed at correcting the underlying cause. In cases where there is no other identifiable cause for intracranial hypertension (ie, IIH) the available options include both medical and surgical modalities. Weight loss and diuretics remain the mainstays for treatment of IIH, and surgery is typically reserved for patients who fail, are intolerant to, or non-compliant with maximum medical therapy.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension in the Middle East: A growing concern

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) is a disorder of increased intracranial pressure without any identifiable etiology. It is defined by elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) with normal neuroimaging and normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) contents. IIH typically affects young obese women and produces symptoms and signs related to high ICP. Headache and blurred vision are the most common symptoms, and papilledema is the major clinical sign. In this review we examine the epidemiology and demographic features of IIH in Middle Eastern countries and compare and contrast them with the published IIH literature from Western countries. The incidence of IIH in several Middle East countries has been estimated at 2.02-2.2/100,000 in the general population, which is higher than the Western rate. Obesity is a major risk factor globally and it is associated with an increased risk of severe vision loss due to IIH. There has been an increase in obesity prevalence in the Middle East countries mainly affecting the Gulf Council Countries (GCC), which parallels increased industrial development. This rise may be contributing to the increasing incidence of IIH in these countries. Other risk factors may also be contributing to IIH in Middle East countries and the differences and similarities to Western IIH merit further study.

The importance of visual field testing in idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a disease of unknown cause typically affecting obese women in the childbearing years. Although headache is the most common symptom, the major morbidity of IIH is visual loss, with 5% to 10% of patients progressing to blindness. While about 95% of patients with IIH have visual loss documented by perimetry, only about one-third notice their visual loss because most loss occurs in the peripheral visual field. Since treatment decisions in IIH are made primarily by changes in visual field function, serial perimetry is the most critical test to obtain when following patients with IIH. This article describes the role of visual field testing in the monitoring of IIH patients in clinical practice, including its importance in communication among providers.

The course of headache in idiopathic intracranial hypertension: a 12-month prospective follow-up study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Our aim was to prospectively describe the course of headache during the first year of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).

METHODS

Patients with newly diagnosed IIH were consecutively included from December 2010 to June 2013. Treatment according to standard guidelines was initiated. Headache history was obtained by headache diaries and standardized interviews performed at baseline and after 1, 2, 3 and 12 months. Parallel changes in papilledema were assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT). All patients had comprehensive neuro-ophthalmological examinations including automated perimetry.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients were included. Thirty-five patients completed the 12-month follow-up. Dramatic improvement in headache occurred within the first weeks after diagnosis. After 1 year, 15 patients reported no or only infrequent headache. However, 15 of the remaining 20 patients reported sustained chronic headache. Early age of onset and high diagnostic intracranial pressure (ICP) were associated with better headache outcome (≤1 headache days/month) after a year. Papilledema decreased rapidly within the first 2 months of diagnosis. After 1 year, OCT measures had normalized. Visual outcome was excellent in most patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Although headache in 43% of patients responded well to ICP management, sustained long-term headache was seen in the remaining patients, despite resolution of papilledema. Headache in IIH may thus be attributed to more complex mechanisms than ICP elevation alone. High ICP and young age were associated with better headache outcome. Early treatment according to standard guidelines seems sufficient to ensure excellent visual outcome in the vast majority of patients.

Reevaluation of presentation and course of idiopathic intracranial hypertension--a large cohort comprehensive study

OBJECTIVES

We analyzed the clinical and ophthalmological findings in a large group of patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) trying to find factors that might influence the course of the disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical records of patients with IIH were retrospectively reviewed. The patients included were women after menarche and men older than 18 years of age who were followed up for at least 1 year.

RESULTS

Eighty-two patients (89% women) with a mean age of 30.2 ± 12.0 years were included. The prevailing complaint was headache and transient visual obscurations followed by tinnitus and double vision. Eighty-two percent of patients were overweight at the time of diagnosis. Overweight patients had higher opening cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure than patients with normal weight did. The grade of papilledema correlated with the CSF opening pressure. Inverse correlation was found between the depression of the visual field sensitivity and the grade of papilledema. The mean follow-up time was 61.3 ± 62.3 months. Eighty-four percent of the patients have improved while in 22% CSF diversion procedures or optic nerve decompression was required. The mean body mass index (BMI) at the end of follow-up decreased significantly. Sixty-seven percent of the patients suffered a recurrence of IIH. The number of recurrences inversely correlated with weight loss. Visual field defects on presentation were encountered more frequently in patients with recurrence. Women with recurrence had a history of more pregnancies.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm the strong association between overweight and IIH. The recurrence rate seemed to be influenced by the obstetrical history and the severity of visual field defects at presentation. In contrast to some previous studies, we have found an interrelation between the CSF opening pressure, grade of papilledema and depression of the visual field sensitivity.

Fulminant Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension With Malignant Systemic Hypertension-A Case Report

We describe a young woman who presented with malignant systemic hypertension and fulminant idiopathic intracranial hypertension. This is a rare combination, but both diagnoses should be considered in patients with optic disc swelling in whom cerebral imaging does not suggest an alternative cause. In this case, malignant hypertension was identified and treated before the idiopathic intracranial hypertension was recognised. Visual failure was evident at presentation and prior to blood pressure manipulation. It is likely that a combination of both conditions increased the vulnerability of the optic nerve head to ischaemic damage. It is also possible that reducing blood pressure in such patients, without treating coexisting raised intracranial pressure, may compound an already compromised ciliary arterial perfusion pressure. We therefore recommend careful blood pressure measurement in all patients presenting with idiopathic intracranial hypertension and advise that lumbar puncture is performed in patients with malignant hypertension with optic disc oedema, particularly in overweight young females.

Design and benchmark testing of a bicorporal pump for the treatment of normal-pressure hydrocephalus and idiopathic intracranial hypertension

OBJECT

Addressing overdrainage and its associated complications is still one of the greatest challenges for future shunt designs for normal-pressure hydrocephalus and idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Nevertheless, as evidenced by tap test procedures, a small amount of CSF drainage seems to be enough to relieve patients' symptoms in most cases and, therefore, in opposition to other types of hydrocephalus, continuous CSF drainage may not be absolutely warranted. In such a clinical scenario, intermittent controlled drainage of a small amount of CSF during specific periods of the day through a 2-system pump may provide several advantages over continuous drainage of current single-system shunts. The goal in this study was to design and test an innovative concept of a bicorporal pump composed of a 2-part system. The first component was designed to be implanted in the patient and act as a pump connected to standard catheter tubing. The second component was designed to be used as an external device outside of the body and function as a power supply and control system. Ultimately, flow will only occur when the system is powered by the external device.

METHODS

Testing and comparisons were performed to evaluate free fluid flow and the maximal flow after pumping in the standing and supine positions. After this, the authors compared the hydrodynamic effects of 2 different housing systems (2- and 3-in systems). An attenuation test was performed to show the effects of electromagnetic forces at progressively increasing distances. Finally, a biocompatibility report of the raw material used in the pilot design was completed.

RESULTS

In the supine position, the effect of pumping was observed to increase the volumetric flow at a rate similar to or higher than that yielded in the free-flow tests. In relation to the attenuation test, it was observed that the volume drops off fairly quickly as the air gap distance was increased until ultimately reaching zero, with approximately 15 mm between the 2 components. In relation to the testing force, the 2-in housing model showed a considerable increase in the required electromagnetic force over the 3-in housing.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors successfully designed and tested a new intermittent drainage system through a bicorporal shunt, which provides several advantages over current single-system continuous drainage pumps. According to the authors' benchmark results, the 3-in housing model seems to be a better choice as it requires less force from the external electromagnet control. Moreover, attenuation tests demonstrated that, for proper functioning, the gap distance between the external and implanted devices should not be greater than 15 mm. Such initial benchmark results confirm the feasibility of such innovative design and provide support for future testing of the system in in vivo animal models and in future clinical series.

Headaches associated with papilledema

Headaches associated with papilledema may be both life-threatening as well as vision-threatening. This review will review the following clinical features: (1) the character of headaches associated with increased intracranial pressure; (2) the visual symptoms associated with papilledema; (3) the funduscopic findings of true papilledema versus pseudo-papilledema; (4) the role of ancillary ophthalmological testing such as visual fields and spectral domain optical coherence tomography; (5) the neuro-radiological evaluation of patients with headaches and papilledema; (6) the treatment of vision-threatening papilledema.

Pediatric pseudotumor cerebri

Although PTC most frequently occurs in obese females of childbearing age, the syndrome occurs in children as well.(3),(5) Prepubertal children with PTC have a lower incidence of obesity compared with adults and there is no sex predilection. The onset of puberty is best defined by the onset of secondary sexual characteristics such has menarche, pubic hair, and breast development. Children with PTC have a higher incidence of associated conditions and cranial nerve deficits compared with adults. Similar to adult patients, children are at risk for the development of permanent visual loss. In rare instances, children initially diagnosed with PTC will be found to harbor an intracranial neoplasm such as gliomatosis cerebri. An intracranial pressure of 28 cm H2O has recently been established as the upper limit of normal in children.31 Treatment is indicated for the symptomatic management of headaches and to preserve vision. Most children respond to medications such as acetazolamide, furosemide, or topiramate. Surgical treatment such as ONSF and shunting procedures are indicated for children with severe headaches, visual loss, or both despite maximal tolerated medical treatment.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension: Diagnosis, monitoring and treatment

INTRODUCTION

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a disorder typically affecting young, obese women, producing a syndrome of increased intracranial pressure without identifiable cause.

STATE OF THE ART

Despite a large number of hypotheses and publications over the past decade, the etiology of IIH is still unknown. There continues to be no evidence-based consensus or formal guidelines regarding management and treatment of the disease. Treatment studies show that the diagnostic lumbar puncture is a valuable intervention beyond its diagnostic importance, and that weight management is critical. However, many questions remain, regarding the efficacy of acetazolamide, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting procedures, optic nerve sheath fenestration, and cerebral transverse venous sinus stenting. Identification of subgroups of patients at high-risk for irreversible visual loss, such as black patients, men, morbidly obese patients, and patients with fulminant IIH, helps determine management approaches and refine follow-up strategies.

PERSPECTIVE

Better understanding of the pathophysiology and ongoing clinical trials will hopefully help inform treatment strategies over the next few years.

Papilledema: are we any nearer to a consensus on pathogenesis and treatment?

Papilledema is a term generally reserved (at least in the English language use of the term) by neuro-ophthalmologists for optic disc edema due to increased intracranial pressure. The etiology for the intracranial hypertension may be known (e.g., brain tumor, meningitis, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis) or may be idiopathic (idiopathic intracranial hypertension [IIH]). IIH is a disorder that predominantly affects overweight women of childbearing age and these epidemiologic factors should offer clues to pathogenesis. The main morbidity of papilledema is visual loss and the major mechanism for permanent optic nerve damage is axoplasmic flow stasis and resultant intraneuronal ischemia. The current initial management of papilledema in IIH includes weight loss and medical therapy (e.g., acetazolamide or furosemide). Patients who fail, are intolerant to, or noncompliant with maximum tolerated medical therapy might require optic nerve sheath fenestration or cerebrospinal fluid diversion (i.e., shunting) procedures.

The analysis of allodynia in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension

OBJECTIVES

Allodynia is frequently associated with migraine and other primary headaches. Our aim was to investigate the presence of allodynia and related features in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), which is a disabling secondary headache disorder.

METHODS

We included 46 IIH patients and analyzed their clinical and laboratory findings retrospectively. Allodynia was assessed using the validated 12-item allodynia symptom checklist (ASC-12), in addition to examining pressure (with von Frey filaments) and brush allodynia.

RESULTS

Allodynia was detected in 23 (50%) of IIH patients with ASC-12 and/or instrumental testing. The most commonly reported location was unilateral V1 distribution. The allodynic symptom profile was similar but milder when compared to 143 migraineurs with ASC-12. Only the aggravation of headache with physical activity emerged as a significant variable associated with allodynia in IIH. Among allodynic patients, only eight had previous migraine diagnosis. After onset of IIH, 20 patients reported migraine-like headache, while only three reported non-migrainous headache. In contrast, 13 of 23 non-allodynic IIH patients had non-migrainous headache features (p = 0.0045).

CONCLUSION

Half of the IIH patients reported allodynia, and these allodynic patients had mostly migraine-like headache profiles. Our study suggested that IIH may trigger some common mechanisms with migraine in pain pathways causing allodynia.

Venous sinus stenting for idiopathic intracranial hypertension: a review of the literature

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is characterized by headache, papilledema, visual field changes and tinnitus with elevated cerebral spinal fluid opening pressures on lumbar puncture. Left untreated, this condition can lead to permanent visual loss. Previous treatment modalities include medical management, therapeutic lumbar puncture and optic nerve sheath fenestration. They have proved to be effective but carry high rates of symptom recurrence or procedural complications. Focal dural venous sinus stenoses have been identified in many patients with IIH, leading to development of treatment through venous sinus angioplasty and stenting. A review of the literature was performed which identified patients with IIH treated with venous sinus stenting. The procedural data and outcomes are presented. A total of 143 patients with IIH (87% women, mean age 41.4 years, mean body mass index 31.6 kg/m(2)) treated with venous sinus stenting were included in the analysis. Symptoms at initial presentation included headache (90%), papilledema (89%), visual changes (62%) and pulsatile tinnitus (48%). There was a technical success rate of 99% for the stent placement procedure with a total of nine complications (6%). At follow-up (mean 22.3 months), 88% of patients experienced improvement in headache, 97% demonstrated improvement or resolution of papilledema, 87% experienced improvement or resolution of visual symptoms and 93% had resolution of pulsatile tinnitus. In patients with IIH with focal venous sinus stenosis, endovascular stent placement across the stenotic sinus region represents an effective treatment strategy with a high technical success rate and decreased rate of complications compared with treatment modalities currently used.