Cerebral Pseudotumor:
analysis of our
casuistry and
revision of
Literature
NOTE: Translated
using software of
translation of
Spanish to English
Summary.
Introduction.
Pseudotumor cerebri (PC) is a complex syndrome characterized by increased
intracranial pressure in the absence of any space occupying lesion,
usually self-limiting, but often relapsing. Diagnosis is based on a record
of intracranial pressure of over a limit of 250 mmH2O.
Morbidity is basically due to possible loss of vision associated with
atrophy of the optic nerve. When the aetiology is unknown this clinical
condition is known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Patients and
methods. We describe the principal characteristics of a series of patients
who were admitted to our department with the diagnosis of PC and review
the relevant literature. Results. Altogether 14 patients (12 women and 2
men) were admitted with the diagnosis of PC. In 12 patients the disorder
presented with headache, with or without associated symptoms of disorders
of vision. The main visual symptoms were transient darkening of vision,
scotomas, photopsias and reduction in visual acuity. The headache was
holocranial, continuous and well-tolerated or alternatively uni- or
bilateral, pulsatile, moderate, with or without photophobia, and with or
without nausea and vomiting. Bilateral papilloedema was seen in all
patients. In one case there was also bilateral facial palsy and neck
rigidity. In four cases visual field measurement were abnormal
(inferoneasal scotoma, bilateral concentric reduction). Progress was poor
in only one case. Conclusion. In spite of being theoretically benign, and
there being many forms of treatment, PC may cause considerable morbidity
of vision. Therefore, early diagnosis and close follow-up attention is
essential.
Autor:
Ecuadorian
magazine of neurology
