Article
Pseudotumor cerebri – is it really idiopathic?
Pseudotumor cerebri – wirklich eine ideopathische Erkrankung?
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Published: | May 8, 2006 |
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Outline
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Objective: Elevated intracranial pressure without hydrocephalus or mass lesions, known as “pseudotumor cerebri” or “idiopathic intracranial hypertension” occurs predominantly in young and obese women. There exist different hypotheses with regard to the pathophysiology. Recently, sinus obstruction has been proposed as possible factor. In this prospective study we present anatomical data on the cerebral sinus of another 20 affected patients.
Methods: From 2/2003 to 11/2005 all patients admitted to our hospital for suspected pseudotumor cerebri were included in the study. All patients underwent MRI examination, including MR – venography. In addition three patients were examined with DSA including invasive pressure monitoring of the sinus.
Results: 20 Patients met the criteria (m/f ratio 1:3; age range 13-62, mean: 34 years). In 12 of the 20 patients (60%) stenosis of the sinus were found. Two patients (10%) presented with stenosis of the jugular veins.
Conclusions: The high number of patients with documented venous anomalies supports the hypothesis of an increased venous pressure as a possible cause of pseudotumor cerebri. Precise neuroradiological evaluation of the cerebral venous sinus and the jugular veins may help in identifying patients suitable for endovascular intervention.