The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in women with idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Longitudinal visual outcomes in idiopathic intracranial hypertension: the role of early prognostic indicators and risk stratification in disease management

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is increasingly prevalent, yet longitudinal outcome data are scarce. This study aimed to characterise demographic and longitudinal clinical changes in a cohort of patients with IIH.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort analysis on adult patients diagnosed with IIH (Friedman criteria) enrolled in the neuro-ophthalmology database (NODE) across two tertiary centres. Baseline demographic data was obtained at first assessment, with clinical and paraclinical outcomes collected longitudinally. Multivariable statistical analysis identified factors associated with poorer visual outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 221 patients were included. 91.8% were female (ratio 11:1). Mean age at presentation was 29.2 ± 8.1 years with mean body mass index (kg/m2) at diagnosis of 38.7 ± 9.4. Headache was the most common symptom. Papilloedema was found in 95.5% of patients at baseline. Mean CSF opening pressure was 32.67 ± 6.85cmCSF (range 25-76). Visual outcomes remained stable over time. Trajectory plots showed no deviations in visual acuity, while regression models found no associations with sex, site or age. A higher retinal nerve fibre layer thickness and greater baseline Frisen grade were associated with worse outcomes. Baseline papilloedema grade and CSF opening pressure emerged as early prognostic indicators, aiding risk stratification for those with a greater probability of persistent optic nerve abnormalities including higher retinal nerve fibre layer elevation and sustained atrophic changes over time.

CONCLUSIONS

This study offers insights into visual outcomes in IIH, emphasising the importance of early recognition, risk stratification, and intervention in those with a more severe clinical phenotype at presentation.

Pituitary Dysfunction in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: An Analysis of 80 Patients

BACKGROUND

Empty sella is a commonly described imaging entity in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Though menstrual and hormonal disturbances have been associated with IIH, available literature lacks systematic analysis of pituitary hormonal disturbances in IIH. More so, the contribution of empty sella in causing pituitary hormonal abnormalities in patients of IIH has not been described. We carried out this study to systematically assess the pituitary hormonal abnormalities in patients with IIH and its relation to empty sella.

METHODS

Eighty treatment naïve patients of IIH were recruited as per a predefined criterion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain with detailed sella imaging and pituitary hormonal profile were done in all patients.

RESULTS

Partial empty sella was seen in 55 patients (68.8%). Hormonal abnormalities were detected in 30 patients (37.5%), reduced cortisol levels in 20%, raised prolactin levels in 13.8%, low thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in 3.8%, hypogonadism in 1.25%, and elevated levels of gonadotropins were found in 6.25% of participants. Hormonal disturbances were independent and were not associated with the presence of empty sella (p = 0.493).

CONCLUSION

Hormonal abnormalities were observed in 37.5% patients with IIH. These abnormalities did not correlate with the presence or absence of empty sella. Pituitary dysfunction appears to be subclinical in IIH and responds to intracranial pressure reduction, not requiring specific hormonal therapies.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension: a step change in understanding the disease mechanisms

The understanding of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) has evolved over the past few years. Previously, IIH was considered a disease exclusively affecting the neuro-ophthalmic axis, characterized by raised intracranial pressure, headache and papilloedema, and resulting in the risk of severe and permanent visual loss and life-changing disabling headaches. Recent advances have begun to redefine IIH as a probable metabolic disease involving a range of systemic manifestations. More than 95% of individuals affected by the disease are women of reproductive age with obesity. The incidence is rapidly rising and parallels the escalating worldwide obesity rates. Contemporary insights identify associations with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and a twofold increased risk of cardiovascular disease in excess of that driven by obesity alone. Adipose distribution in people with IIH, like that in other metabolic diseases, is preferentially centripetal and is associated with changes in intracranial pressure. Evidence now demonstrates adipose tissue dysfunction in people with IIH, involving transcriptional and metabolic priming for lipogenesis and weight gain. Hormonal perturbations are also observed, including a unique phenotype of androgen excess that promotes cerebrospinal fluid secretion. Knowledge of these additional disease features is driving research into novel therapeutic targets and altering the approach to multidisciplinary care.

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension in Female-to-Male Transgender Patients on Exogenous Testosterone Therapy

PURPOSE

To present four female-to-male (FTM) transgender patients on testosterone therapy diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).

METHODS

The authors report 4 consecutive FTM transgender patients on exogenous testosterone diagnosed with IIH at a single institution.

RESULTS

Patient 1 presented with progressive blurred vision and a central scotoma 10 weeks after starting testosterone cypionate injections for hormonal gender transition. Bilateral grade 5 papilledema was present; the patient underwent bilateral optic nerve sheath fenestration with improved vision and resolution of edema. Patient 2 presented with transient vision loss, pulsatile tinnitus, and blurred vision 13 months after starting testosterone cypionate injections. The patient had grade 4 and 3 disc edema of the right and left eyes, respectively. Patient 3 presented with headaches and pulsatile tinnitus and was on testosterone injections at an unknown dose. The examination revealed grade 1 and 2 disc edema of the right and left eyes, respectively. Patient 4 presented with decreased vision, transient visual obscurations, and daily migraines while using topical testosterone gel every other day. Color vision was reduced, and lumbar puncture revealed elevated intracranial pressure. All patients had neuroimaging findings consistent with increased intracranial pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

Testosterone therapy plays an essential role in FTM hormonal transitioning and may play a role in IIH. Patients undergoing testosterone therapy for gender transition should be informed of the possibility of developing IIH while on treatment, with obesity possibly increasing this risk. Comprehensive eye examinations should be considered in these patients before initiating hormone therapy.

Current and emerging diagnostic and management approaches for idiopathic intracranial hypertension

INTRODUCTION

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is characterized by raised intracranial pressure that triggers disabling headaches and can cause permanent visual loss. There is an increased incidence and prevalence of the condition linked to location-specific obesity rates. There are no licensed treatments for the condition. The majority of approaches to managing the disease prioritize resolution of papilledema. However, evidence is emerging that idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a systemic metabolic disease.

AREAS COVERED

The aim of this review is to present the emerging pathophysiology evidence which is leading to novel targeted therapeutics. The diagnostic pathway is outlined. The current and potential management approaches for idiopathic intracranial hypertension are also discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a condition with metabolic dysregulation with systemic manifestations that are present over and above what can be expl.ained by obesity alone. While most of the current management of this condition focuses on the eyes, future management needs to address the disabling headaches and the systemic risks of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and major cardiovascular events.

Intracranial Hypertension Associated With Testosterone Therapy In Female-To-Male Transgender Patients: A Case Report And Literature Review

We highlight a case of intracranial hypertension secondary to exogenous testosterone in a female-to-male transgender patient and present a systematic review of similar cases. Our review identified 19 female-to-male transgender individuals with intracranial hypertension. The mean age was 24.2 years and most common presenting symptom was headache (78.9% of patients). The most frequently associated ocular symptoms were transient visual obscurations (42.1%) and blurred vision (21.1%). Onset of symptoms occurred concurrently with exogenous testosterone therapy in 89.5% of the patients. The most common treatments were acetazolamide (89.5%), topiramate (31.6%), and alteration in hormone regimen (21.1%); four cases required surgery. These findings aid clinicians treating intracranial hypertension in patients undergoing gender affirmation therapy in a conscientious, patient-centered manner.

Co-morbid Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

The link between polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) has long been debated. Historically, there is a wide range of reported occurrence of both conditions, being between 15% and 64%. Both conditions share a common phenotype. The awareness that in a new large data study that there is a 1.5-fold increased prevalence of diagnosed PCOS in participants with IIH as compared to the controls is important. Assessment for the potential of co-morbid PCOS in women with IIH is important as this may enable optimisation of weight and fertility management.

Effects of Exposure Duration and Exposure Levels of Ambient Air Pollutants on the Risk of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A 2015-2019 Korean Population-Based Cohort Study

Exposure to ambient air pollution is associated with an increased risk of menstrual disorders and infertility. This study examined the relationships between the levels and duration of air pollution exposure and the risk of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) using Korean population-based cohort data (2015-2019). Real-time data on PM₁₀, PM_2.5, O₃, CO, SO₂, and NO₂ were provided by the Korean Ministry of Environment. The average monthly air pollutant concentration from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2018 was analyzed. To assess individual-level exposure to air pollutants, a spatial prediction model and an area-averaging approach were used. In total, 237,582 PCOS cases were analyzed. The annual age-adjusted PCOS incidence was 6.70, 8.28, 9.73, 11.58, and 11.97% from 2015-2019, respectively. The PCOS risk increased 1.29-1.32, 1.43-1.52, and 1.32-fold following exposure to the 2-year and 3-year average levels of PM_2.5, O₃, and NO₂, respectively, compared to their 1-year average levels. The PCOS risk increased 1.75-fold (95% confidence interval: 1.66-1.85) in the fourth-quartile for the NO₂ level. Increased SO₂ and CO levels in the second- and third-quartiles were also associated with an increased PCOS risk. Exposure to air pollutants thus increased the risk for PCOS in the Korean population.

Depression and generalized anxiety symptoms in idiopathic intracranial hypertension: Prevalence, under-reporting and effect on visual outcome

BACKGROUND

Patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) have been reported to have high prevalence of co-existent mood disorders. We investigated the frequency of symptoms of depression and anxiety in a large cohort of patients with IIH without a known psychiatric diagnosis and compared it with the age- and gender-matched control group. We also studied whether the presence and severity of co-existing mood disorder was related to visual outcome in patients with IIH.

METHODS

The Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) for depression symptoms and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire for symptoms of generalized anxiety were administered via telephone survey to 100 patients with known diagnosis of IIH and 100 control subjects (matched for age and gender) who did not report a history of anxiety or depression during their prior in-person consultations. All participants were also asked whether they had ever been previously diagnosed with a mood disorder during this telephone assessment. Administered questionnaire results were correlated with final visual outcome in IIH cohort.

RESULTS

34 IIH patients and 36 controls self-reported anxiety and/or depression when specifically asked if they had ever been diagnosed with these conditions although this was not reported on clinic intake questionnaires. Mean PHQ-8 depression scale score was 6.5 ± 0.6 in control group and 7.6 ± 0.6 in IIH group (p = 0.18). Mean GAD-7 score was 6.3 ± 0.5 in control group and 7.7 ± 0.6 in the IIH group (p = 0.06). In multivariable regression, scores on both scales were correlated with higher body mass index (BMI), younger age and presence of headache, but not with IIH diagnosis. In the IIH cohort, visual outcomes were not related to GAD-7 or PHQ-8 scores but were predicted by mean deviation on visual fields at presentation.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-existing diagnosis of anxiety and depression are highly under-reported. Symptoms of anxiety and depression are very common in young women with elevated BMI and headache, however, there was no statistical difference in frequency of these symptoms between IIH and control groups. Presence and severity of mood disorder symptoms did not correlate with the final visual outcome in patients with IIH.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension: Pathophysiology, diagnosis and management

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is characterized by increased intracranial pressure, manifested by papilledema and radiological findings, in the absence of an identifiable casual factor. The primary symptoms include headache, vision loss, and pulsatile tinnitus, and are recognized to have profound impacts on quality of life and visual function. IIH demonstrates a strong predilection towards obese women of reproductive age, and the population incidence is rising with the growing prevalence of obesity worldwide. The pathophysiology involves dysregulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics and venous sinus pressure, and recent studies highlighting the pathogenic role of metabolic and hormonal factors have led to the identification of several pharmacological targets and development of novel therapeutic agents. The overarching treatment goals include symptomatic alleviation and prevention of permanent vision loss. The Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Treatment Trial, the first of its kind randomized controlled trial on IIH, provides class I evidence for treatment with weight loss and acetazolamide. In medically refractive or fulminant cases, optic nerve sheath fenestration, CSF diversion, and venous sinus stenting, have been successfully implemented. However, there are few high-quality prospective studies investigating the treatment and natural history of IIH, highlighting the compelling need for further research to determine the optimal treatment regimen.

Bridging the Gap between Ophthalmology and Emergency Medicine in Community-Based Emergency Departments (EDs): A Neuro-Ophthalmology Guide for ED Practitioners

Coordination of care for patients with neuro-ophthalmic disorders can be very challenging in the community emergency department (ED) setting. Unlike university- or tertiary hospital-based EDs, the general ophthalmologist is often not as familiar with neuro-ophthalmology and the examination of neuro-ophthalmology patients in the acute ED setting. Embracing image capturing of the fundus, using a non-mydriatic camera, may be a game-changer for communication between ED physicians, ophthalmologists, and tele-neurologists. Patient care decisions can now be made with photographic documentation that is then conveyed through HIPAA-compliant messaging with accurate and useful information with both ease and convenience. Likewise, external photos of the anterior segment and motility are also helpful. Finally, establishing clinical and imaging guidelines for common neuro-ophthalmic disorders can help facilitate complete and appropriate evaluation and treatment.

The Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Brief Systematic Review

Background:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the major endocrinopathy among reproductive-aged women, is not yet perceived as an important health problem in the world. It affects 4%–20% of women of reproductive age worldwide. The prevalence, diagnosis, etiology, management, clinical practices, psychological issues, and prevention are some of the most confusing aspects associated with PCOS.

Aim:

The exact prevalence figures regarding PCOS are limited and unclear. The aim of this review is to summarize comprehensively the current knowledge on the prevalence of PCOS.

Materials and Methods:

Literature search was performed through PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar (up to December 2019). All relevant articles published in English language were identified following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Results:

Our analysis yielded 27 surveys with a pooled mean prevalence of 21.27% using different diagnostic criteria. The proportion of women with PCOS also increased in the last decade.

Conclusion:

The current review summarizes and interprets the results of all published prevalence studies and highlights the burden of the syndrome, thereby supporting early identification and prevention of PCOS in order to reverse the persistent upward trend of prevalence.

Emerging themes in idiopathic intracranial hypertension

PURPOSE

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a rare disorder characterised by raised intracranial pressure. The underlying pathophysiology is mostly unknown and effective treatment is an unmet clinical need in this disease. This review evaluates key emerging themes regarding disease characteristics, mechanisms contributing to raised intracranial pressure and advances in potential therapeutic targets.

FINDINGS

IIH is becoming more common, with the incidence rising in parallel with the global obesity epidemic. Current medical management remains centred around weight management, which is challenging. Metabolic investigations of patients have identified specific androgen profiles in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which suggest an endocrine dysfunction impacting CSF secretion in IIH. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) have been found to play a role in CSF dynamics in IIH and have formed the basis of the first clinical trials looking at new treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Identification of novel molecular targets thought to underlie IIH pathology is now being translated to clinical trials.

Pseudotumour Cerebri Syndrome in China: A Cohort Study

Pseudotumour cerebri syndrome (PTCS) remains to be fully investigated in Chinese patients and our study reported PTCS-related clinical differences between Chinese patients and Western patients. This study enrolled 55 consecutive patients (females: 44, median age: 37 y, age range: 14–62 y) with PTCS diagnosed from October 2015 to December 2017. Nine (16.4%, females) patients had primary PTCS, and 46 (83.6%) had secondary PTCS (P = 0.001). At presentation, 81.8% of patients had grade >3 papilloedema, with 23.6% having diffusely constricted fields. Mean subarachnoid space around the optic nerve measured by retrobulbar ultrasonography during lumbar puncture was 1.12 ± 0.17 mm and decreased to 0.86 ± 0.11 mm after treatment. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed that 92.9% of eyes with intact macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) at baseline had good outcomes after treatment. Patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics showed that secondary PTCS was more common than primary idiopathic intracranial hypertension in Chinese patients. Polycystic ovarian syndrome was the main associated factor in females. Poor visual function was common at presentation. Noninvasive ocular ultrasonography and OCT are the prognostic indicators of PTCS treatment in intracranial pressure and visual function, respectively, after PTCS treatment.

A unique androgen excess signature in idiopathic intracranial hypertension is linked to cerebrospinal fluid dynamics

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition of unknown etiology, characterized by elevated intracranial pressure frequently manifesting with chronic headaches and visual loss. Similar to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), IIH predominantly affects obese women of reproductive age. In this study, we comprehensively examined the systemic and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) androgen metabolome in women with IIH in comparison with sex-, BMI-, and age-matched control groups with either simple obesity or PCOS (i.e., obesity and androgen excess). Women with IIH showed a pattern of androgen excess distinct to that observed in PCOS and simple obesity, with increased serum testosterone and increased CSF testosterone and androstenedione. Human choroid plexus expressed the androgen receptor, alongside the androgen-activating enzyme aldoketoreductase type 1C3. We show that in a rat choroid plexus cell line, testosterone significantly enhanced the activity of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, a surrogate of CSF secretion. We demonstrate that IIH patients have a unique signature of androgen excess and provide evidence that androgens can modulate CSF secretion via the choroid plexus. These findings implicate androgen excess as a potential causal driver and therapeutic target in IIH.

Women with idiopathic intracranial hypertension have a unique androgen excess signature that is associated with modulation of cerebrospinal fluid secretion dynamics.

Uncommon Presentation of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension in a Patient with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a rare condition characterized by increased intracranial pressure without clinical, laboratory, or radiological evidence of intracranial pathology. Early management could prevent irreversible outcomes.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 17-year-old single Arabian female of Arab origin presented with a 2-day complaint of horizontal diplopia and transient visual obscurations. She denied any history of headache or decreased vision. The patient was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome a year prior to presentation. Examination revealed bilateral moderate papilledema and limited left eye abduction. However, visual acuity and fields were normal. Increased intracranial pressure was confirmed by lumbar puncture opening pressure (550 mm H<Sub>2</Sub>O). The cerebrospinal fluid composition and imaging of brain and cerebral venous system were normal. The diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension was confirmed and the patient was treated with acetazolamide 500 mg twice per day. The symptoms totally resolved within 3 days and the papilledema disappeared after 2 months.

CONCLUSION

Awareness of such uncommon presentation of idiopathic intracranial hypertension emphasizes the critical importance of detailed ophthalmic examination and shows the good prognosis of early management.

Genotype, B-vitamin status, and androgens affect spaceflight-induced ophthalmic changes

Ophthalmic changes have occurred in a subset of astronauts on International Space Station missions. Visual deterioration is considered the greatest human health risk of spaceflight. Affected astronauts exhibit higher concentrations of 1-carbon metabolites (e.g., homocysteine) before flight. We hypothesized that genetic variations in 1-carbon metabolism genes contribute to susceptibility to ophthalmic changes in astronauts. We investigated 5 polymorphisms in the methionine synthase reductase (MTRR), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT), and cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) genes and their association with ophthalmic changes after flight in 49 astronauts. The number of G alleles of MTRR 66 and C alleles of SHMT1 1420 both contributed to the odds of visual disturbances. Preflight dehydroepiandrosterone was positively associated with cotton wool spots, and serum testosterone response during flight was associated with refractive change. Block regression showed that B-vitamin status and genetics were significant predictors of many of the ophthalmic outcomes that we observed. In one example, genetics trended toward improving (P = 0.10) and B-vitamin status significantly improved (P < 0.001) the predictive model for refractive change after flight. We document an association between MTRR 66 and SHMT1 1420 polymorphisms and spaceflight-induced vision changes. This line of research could lead to therapeutic options for both space travelers and terrestrial patients.