Intracranial hypertension as the primary symptom of malignant melanoma:A case report

BACKGROUND The etiological diagnosis of intracranial hypertension is quite complicated but important in clinical practice.Some common causes are craniocerebral injury,intracranial space-occupying lesion,subarachnoid hemorrhage,and hydrocephalus.When a patient presents with intracranial hypertension,the common causes are to be considered first so that other causes would be dismissed.With the morbidity lower than 9%,neuromelanin is very rare.Common symp-toms include nerve damage symptoms,epilepsy,psychiatric symptoms,and cognitive disorders.CASE SUMMARY We present a patient with melanoma which manifested with isolated intracranial hypertension without any other neurological signs.A 22-year-old male had repeated nausea and vomiting for 2 mo with Babinski sign(+)on both sides,nuchal rigidity,and subarachnoid hemorrhage.He had been diagnosed with melanoma and was given surgery and whole-brain radiation.Ultimately,the patient died 2 mo later.CONCLUSION Malignant melanoma should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of intracranial hypertension.

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Is Associated with Depression Regardless of Weight: A Controlled Study

Research Background: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a common disease among obese women during their childbearing years, and it could be associated with depression. It is unclear whether obesity contributes also to depression among these patients. Research Objective: To evaluate patients with IIH for the existence of depression using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) questionnaire score, compared to age- and BMI-matched healthy control group. Methods: Controlled IIH patients were prospectively recruited from the neuro-ophthalmology clinic at Tzafon Medical Center, Poria. Following consent, patients were interviewed and answered the HAM-D questionnaire. A healthy age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched participants from the same population (control group), were also recruited and interviewed by the same investigator answering the same questionnaire. Demographics and BMI were documented in both groups. HAM-D score of >10 is significantly associated with depression. Results: Thirty-two and 28 from the patients and control group, respectively, had completed the study. Mean age was 28.6 ± 7.51 and 32.467 ± 8.22 years of both patient and control groups, respectively (P = 0.07). Mean BMI was 32.8 ± 6.87 and 32.1 ± 3.78 respectively (P = 0.621). The IIH group’s mean HAM-D scores was 11.62 ± 8.2 as compared to 3.179 ± 2.407 in the control group (P = 0.000). The most significant differences included the questionnaire items of insomnia initial, work and activities, somatic general and somatic symptoms general. Conclusion: IIH patients had significantly higher HAM-D scores compared to the control group. This score seems to be irrelevant to the weight of the patient. Psychological support in addition to the conventional treatment of IIH, is needed to improve the quality of life of these patients.

Brain edema and intracranial hypertension in fulminant hepatic failure:Pathophysiology and management

Intracranial hypertension is a major cause of morbidity and mortality of patients suffering from fulminant hepatic failure. The etiology of this intracranial hypertension is not fully determined, and is probably multifactorial, combining a cytotoxic brain edema due to the astrocytic accumulation of glutamine, and an increase in cerebral blood volume and cerebral blood flow, in part due to inflammation, to glutamine and to toxic products of the diseased liver. Validated methods to control intracranial hypertension in fulminant hepatic failure patients mainly include mannitol, hypertonic saline, indomethacin, thiopental, and hyperventilation. However all these measures are often not sufficient in absence of liver transplantation, the only curative treatment of intracranial hypertension in fulminant hepatic failure to date. Induced moderate hypothermia seems very promising in this setting, but has to be validated by a controlled, randomized study. Artificial liver support systems have been under investigation for many decades. The bioartiflcial liver, based on both detoxification and swine liver cells, has shown some efficacy on reduction of intracranial pressure but did not show survival benefit in a controlled, randomized study. The Molecular Adsorbents Recirculating System has shown some efficacy in decreasing intracranial pressure in an animal model of liver failure, but has still to be evaluated in a phase Ⅲ trial.

Optical coherence tomography use in idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension(IIH)is a condition in which elevated pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid can lead to optic nerve head(ONH)dysfunction and subsequent visual impairment.Physicians are currently limited in their ability to monitor and manage this condition,as clinical symptoms and exam findings are often delayed in response to changes in intracranial pressure.In order to find other biomarkers of disease,researchers are using imaging modalities such as optical coherence tomography(OCT)to observe microscopic changes in the eye in this condition.OCT can create 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional high definition images of the retina of the ONH and has been used to study various conditions such as glaucoma and multiple sclerosis.Numerous studies have used OCT in IIH as well,and they have shown that certain retinal layers and the ONH change in thickness and shape in both the short and long term with intracranial pressure changes.OCT is a promising modality for clinical and scientific evaluation of IIH as it is a noninvasive and practical tool to obtain in depth images.This review will discuss how OCT can be used to assess a patient with IIH,both before and after treatment,along with its limitations and future applications.

Intracranial Hypertension Syndrome in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Clinical Analysis and Review of the Literature

In order to better understand the clinical manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus （SLE） with intracranial hypertension syndrome （IHS）, we analyzed the clinical features and treatment of a typical SLE patient with IHS. SLE is one of the most unpredictable autoimmune diseases involving multiple organ systems that is defined clinically and associated with antibodies directed against cell nuclei. IHS is an uncommon manifestation of neuropsychiatric SLE （NPSLE） and is characterized by an elevated intracranial pressure, papilledema, and headache with occasional abducens nerve paresis, absence of a space-occupying lesion or ventricular enlargement, and normal cerebrospinal fluid chemical and hematological constituents. IHS has been reported in a few sporadic cases in patients with SLE worldwide, but rarely has been reported in China. In this study, a 34-year-old female SLE patient with IHS was. reported and pertinent literature reviewed. The clinical presentation, image logical features, and investigatory findings were discussed.

Pharmacological potential of acetazolamide in traumatic intracranial hypertension

Traumatic brain injuries are an important cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. These types of lesions are often associated with increased intracranial pressure and cerebral edema, proper management of this can reduce tissue damage of the brain and improve brain perfusion. The use of acetazolamide is not indicated in guidelines for the management of intracranial hypertension, which is used to a great extent for the management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. However, it is not yet known in the management of traumatic intracranial hypertension.

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension without Papilloedema “Case Report”

Purpose: The purpose of this case report is to share and spread the awareness of diagnosing and managing idiopathic intracranial hypertension in atypical scenarios as in this case, who presented with multiple other medical conditions, and had no papilloedema. The presenting signs and symptoms of mere headache were misleading. The other medical conditions could have explained the patient’s headache. These included cervical spine osteoporosis, and middle ear otolith disease. This case is unique because she was found to have IIH without papilloedema, and despite having multiple cancers in the uterus, breasts, and recently the thyroid, she had no malignant cells in the CSF. The patient was treated for IIH, and her malignancies were treated separately by the corresponding physicians. Method: The patient was assessed in 2019, and was followed up closely till 2021, in collaboration with her neurologist, oncologist, and orthopedist. Result: The patient had IIH after her neurologist attempted a lumbar puncture, which showed high CSF pressure. Conclusion: Headache is a common symptom presented by patients of different ages and backgrounds. The absence of papilloedema does not exclude the diagnosis of IIH. When possible etiologies for headache are ruled out (e.g. middle and inner ear infections, anemia, intracranial tumors, glaucoma, etc.), chronic headaches that do not respond to medications, and present with visual field changes may require a lumbar puncture.

Shunting,optic nerve sheath fenestration and dural venous stenting for medically refractory idiopathic intracranial hypertension:systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)-diversion procedures have traditionally been the standard of treatment for patients with medically refractive idiopathic intracranial hypertension(IIH).However,dural venous sinus stent(VSS)placement has been described as a safe and effective procedure for the management of medically refractive IIH.We performed a meta-analysis comparing outcomes and complications of CSF-diversion procedures,VSS and optic nerve sheath fenestration(ONSF)for the treatment of medically refractive IIH.Methods:Electronic searches were performed using six databases from 1988 to January 2017.Data was extracted and meta-analysed from the identified studies.Results:From 55 pooled studies,there were 538 CSF-diversion cases,224 dural venous stent placements,and 872 ONSF procedures.Similar improvements were found in terms of postoperative headaches(CSF vs.VSS vs.ONSF:84%vs.78%vs.62%,P=0.223),papilledema(CSF vs.VSS vs.ONSF:71%vs.86%vs.77%,P=0.192),whilst visual acuity changes favored venous stenting(CSF vs.VSS vs.ONSF:55%vs.69%vs.44%,P=0.037).There was a significantly lower rate of subsequent procedures with venous stent placement(CSF vs.VSS vs.ONSF:37%vs.13%vs.18%,P<0.001),but other complication rates were similar(CSF vs.VSS vs.ONSF:13%vs.8%vs.14%,P=0.28).Subgroup analysis of lumbar-peritoneal vs.ventriculoperitoneal shunts found no differences in symptom improvements,complications and subsequent procedure rates.Conclusions:Our findings suggest that dural venous sinus stenting may be a viable alternative to traditional surgical interventions in patients who are refractory to medical treatment.

Effect of sedative agent selection on morbidity, mortality and length of stay in patients with increase in intracranial pressure

BACKGROUND: To identify the effects of sedative agent selection on morbidity, mortality, and length of stay in patients with suspected increase in intracranial pressure. Recent trends and developments have resulted in changes to medications that were previously utilized as pharmacological adjuncts in the sedation and intubation of patients with suspected increases in intracranial pressure. Medications that were previously considered contraindicated are now being used with increasing regularity without demonstrated safety and effectiveness. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the use of Ketamine as an induction agent for patients with increased intracranial pressure. The secondary objective was to evaluate and compare the use of Etomidate, Midazolam, and Ketamine in patients with increased intracranial pressure. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients transported to our facility with evidence of intracranial hypertension that were intubated before trauma center arrival. Patients were identifi ed during a 22-month period from January 2014 to October 2015. Goals were to evaluate the impact of sedative agent selection on morbidity, mortality, and length of stay.RESULTS: During the review 148 patients were identifi ed as meeting inclusion criteria, 52 were excluded due to incomplete data. Of those the patients primarily received; Etomidate, Ketamine, and Midazolam. Patients in the Ketamine group were found to have a lower mortality rate after injury stratifi cation. CONCLUSION: Patients with intracranial hypertension should not be excluded from receiving Ketamine during intubation out of concern for worsening outcomes.

Intracranial pressure monitoring in the perioperative period of patients with acute liver failure undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation

Acute liver failure(ALF)may result in severe neurological complications caused by cerebral edema and elevated intracranial pressure(ICP).Multiple pathogenic mechanisms explain the elevated ICP,and newer hypotheses have been described.While invasive ICP monitoring(ICPM)may have a role in ALF management,these patients are typically coagulopathic and at risk for intracranial hemorrhage.ICPM is the subject of much debate,and significant heterogeneity exists in clinical practice regarding its use.Contemporary ICPM techniques and coagulopathy reversal strategies may be associated with a lower risk of hemor-rhage;however,most of the evidence is limited by its retrospective nature and relatively small sample size.

Hydrocephalus Secondary to Intraventricular Myxopapillary Ependymoma: Case Report

Ependymomas are a somewhat diverse category of glial tumors that often develop from the lining of the brain’s ventricles, or the spinal cord’s central canal. They make up 5% of all neuroepithelial tumors, 10% of paediatric brain tumors, and up to 33% of brain tumors in children under the age of three. Hydrocephalus is one of the complications, and it can be identified as progressive macrocephaly or increasing head circumference crossing percentiles, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, irritability, and regression of developmental milestones.

Optic nerve sheath diameters in nontraumatic brain injury:A scoping review and role in the intensive care unit

BACKGROUND Neuromonitoring in medical intensive care units is challenging as most patients are unfit for invasive intracranial pressure(ICP)modalities or unstable to transport for imaging.Ultrasonography-based optic nerve sheath diameter(ONSD)is an attractive option as it is reliable,repeatable and easily performed at the bedside.It has been sufficiently validated in traumatic brain injury(TBI)to be incorporated into the guidelines.However,currently the data for non-TBI patients is inconsistent for a scientific recommendation to be made.AIM To compile the existing evidence for understanding the scope of ONSD in measuring ICP in adult non-traumatic neuro-critical patients.METHODS PubMed,Google Scholar and research citation analysis databases were searched for studies in adult patients with non-traumatic causes of raised ICP.Studies from 2010 to 2024 in English languages were included.RESULTS We found 37 articles relevant to our search.The cutoff for ONSD in predicting ICP varied from 4.1 to 6.3 mm.Most of the articles used cerebrospinal fluid opening pressure followed by raised ICP on computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging as the comparator parameter.ONSD was also found to be a reliable outcome measure in cases of acute ischaemic stroke,intracerebral bleeding and intracranial infection.However,ONSD is of doubtful utility in septic metabolic encephalopathy,dysnatremias and aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.CONCLUSION ONSD is a useful tool for the diagnosis of raised ICP in non-traumatic neuro-critically ill patients and may also have a role in the prognostication of a subset of patients.

Treatment of malignant glioma using hyperthermia

Thirty pathologically diagnosed patients with grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ primary or recurrent malignant glioma （tumor diameter 3-7 cm） were randomly divided into two groups. The control group underwent conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In the hyperthermia group, primary cases received hyperthermia treatment, and patients with recurrent tumors were treated with hyperthermia in com- bination with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Hyperthermia treatment was administered using a 13.56-MHz radio frequency hyperthermia device. Electrodes were inserted into the tumor with the aid of a CT-guided stereotactic apparatus and heat was applied for 1 hour. Dudng 3 months a^er hyperthermia, patients were evaluated with head CT or MRI every month. Gliomas in the hyper- thermia group exhibited growth retardation or growth termination. Necrosis was evident in 80% of the heated tumor tissue and there was a decrease in tumor diameter. Our findings indicate that ra- dio frequency hyperthermia has a beneficial effect in the treatment of malignant glioma.

Biological characteristics of the cerebral venous system and its hemodynamic response to intracranial hypertension

Background The role of the cerebral venous system （CVS） in intracranial pressure （ICP） regulation remains largely unclear. In the present study, the interaction between ICP and the cerebral venous system and its possible mechanism were investigated with respect to the biological characteristics of the cerebral venous system and its hemodynamic response under increased ICP. Methods We created intracranial hypertension animal model, measured and calculated the venous flow velocity and diameter of the outflow terminal of the CVS with color ultrasonic system and recorded the vascular morphology by 3-dimensional anatomical microscopy. Patients who suffered from raised ICP underwent MRI and digital subtraction angiography （DSA） examination to show the length in the vertical direction of the wall of the bridging vein representing the diameter value. Pathological autopsy was performed from bodies of patients who had died from non-cerebral causes to observe the juncture part between the venous sinuses and tributary vertical brain veins. Results Under increased ICP conditions, venous drainage through the outlet cuff segment, a unique structure between the bridge vein and sinus, was obstructed and in turn venous blood became congested. Therefore, the increased blood volume worsened the pre-existing ICP according to the well-accepted theory regarding volume-pressure relationship. This phenomenon was described as concurrent ＇k, enogenic intracranial hypertension＂, which is characterized by intracranial venous blood stasis responsive to and together with the original increased ICP. Conclusions The existence of this special pathophysiological process is prevalent, rather than rare, in various intracraniAI disorders. Thi.~ findinn would definitAIv nrovide new insinht into the. Area of cerebral venous svstem research.

Murine model to study brain,behavior and immunity during hepatic encephalopathy

AIM:To propose an alternative model of hepatic encephalopathy(HE) in mice,resembling the human features of the disease.METHODS:Mice received two consecutive intraperitoneal injections of thioacetamide(TAA) at low dosage(300 mg/kg).Liver injury was assessed by serum transaminase levels(ALT) and liver histology(hematoxylin and eosin).Neutrophil infiltration was estimated by confocal liver intravital microscopy.Coagulopathy was evaluated using prolonged prothrombin and partial thromboplastin time.Hemodynamic parameters were measured through tail cuff.Ammonia levels were quantified in serum and brain samples.Electroencephalography(EEG) and psychomotor activity score were performed to show brain function.Brain edema was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging.RESULTS:Mice submitted to the TAA regime developed massive liver injury,as shown by elevation of serum ALT levels and a high degree of liver necrosis.An intense hepatic neutrophil accumulation occurred in response to TAA-induced liver injury.This led to mice mortality and weight loss,which was associated with severe coagulopathy.Furthermore,TAA-treated mice presented with increased serum and cerebral levels of ammonia,in parallel with alterations in EEG spectrum and discrete brain edema,as shown by magnetic resonance imaging.In agreement with this,neuropsychomotor abnormalities ensued 36 h after TAA,fulfilling several HE features observed in humans.In this context of liver injury and neurological dysfunction,we observed lung inflammation and alterations in blood pressure and heart rate that were indicative of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.CONCLUSION:In summary,we describe a new murine model of hepatic encephalopathy comprising multiple features of the disease in humans,which may provide new insights for treatment.

Multimodal brain monitoring in fulminant hepatic failure

Acute liver failure, also known as fulminant hepatic failure(FHF), embraces a spectrum of clinical entities characterized by acute liver injury, severe hepatocellular dysfunction, and hepatic encephalopathy. Cerebral edema and intracranial hypertension are common causes of mortality in patients with FHF. The management of patients who present acute liver failure starts with determining the cause and an initial evaluation of prognosis. Regardless of whether or not patients are listed for liver transplantation, they should still be monitored for recovery, death, or transplantation. In the past, neuromonitoring was restricted to serial clinical neurologic examination and, in some cases, intracranial pressure monitoring. Over the years, this monitoring has proven insufficient, as brain abnormalities were detected at late and irreversible stages. The need for real-time monitoring of brain functions to favor prompt treatment and avert irreversible brain injuries led to the concepts of multimodal monitoring and neurophysiological decision support. New monitoring techniques, such as brain tissue oxygen tension, continuous electroencephalogram, transcranial Doppler, and cerebral microdialysis, have been developed. These techniques enable early diagnosis of brain hemodynamic, electrical, and biochemical changes, allow brain anatomical and physiological monitoring-guided therapy, and have improved patient survival rates. The purpose of this review is to discuss the multimodality methods available for monitoring patients with FHF in the neurocritical care setting.

An Unusual Cause of Irritability in a Single Ventricle Patient after Bidirectional Glenn Shunt

The differential diagnosis for irritability in children is broad.In patients with congenital heart disease,one must strongly consider cardiac etiologies such as low cardiac output or elevated central venous pressure(CVP).In patients with single-ventricle physiology,the second stage of palliation includes bidirectional Glenn,which involves anastomosis of the superior vena cava to the pulmonary artery resulting in volume offloading of the single systemic ventricle.Typically,early in the post-operative period,patients may experience a headache due to the acute increase in CVP,and symptoms improve over time.Idiopathic intracranial hypertension(IIH),also known as pseudotumor cerebri,is a rare neurologic disorder in children,characterized by raised intracranial pressure(ICP)in the absence of brain parenchymal lesions or cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)abnormalities.While the pathogenesis of IIH is unknown,early recognition and treatment of IIH are important to prevent permanent vision loss.There are only rare reports of IIH in patients with Fontan circulation.To our knowledge,we report the first case of IIH in a 2-year-old female after bidirectional Glenn.

Sonographic Measurement of the Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter (ONSD) and Eyeball Transversal Diameter (ETD) in Benin Healthy African Adults

Background: Measuring optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), a relatively re-cent technique, allows an indirect and non-invasive diagnosis of intracranial hypertension. The ONSD ratio to eyeball transverse diameter (ETD) increases this reliability of the technique. The objective of this study was to determine the normal ONSD and its ratio with ETD in black African adults in Benin. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2019 and August 2019. Ultrasound ONSD and ONSD/ETD ratio were meas-ured in 210 healthy adults received in the medical imaging department of the Borgou and Alibori University Hospital Center in Benin. The ONSD corre-sponded to the average of 12 measurements (03 horizontal and 03 vertical for each eye) taken 3 mm behind the papilla. The transverse ETD corresponded to the average of 03 measurements. Results: The mean ONSD was 4.20 ± 0.28 mm (95% CI = [4.17;4.24] mm and 95th percentile = 4.70 mm). The mean ETD was 24.25 ± 1.10 mm. The ONSD/ETD ratio was 0.17 ± 0.01 (95% CI = [0.17;0.17] and 95th percentile = 0.19). There was no difference between ver-tical and horizontal ONSD and between right and left ONSD. The ONSD and the ONSD/ETD ratio were not correlated with any of the socio-demographic and anthropometric characteristics studied (sex, age, ethnicity, weight, height, body mass index, head circumference and waist circumference). The ONSD was associated with ETD (p < 0.001 and r = 0.55). Conclusion: An ONSD and an ONSD/ETD ratio respectively greater than 4.70 mm and 0.19 should sus-pect intracranial hypertension. The ONSD/ETD ratio may be a better indicator of HICT because of its small variation.

Pediatric neuro-ophthalmology:not simply neuro-ophthalmology for small adults

Pediatric neuro-ophthalmology is a subspecialty within neuro-ophthalmology.Pediatric neuro-ophthalmic diseases must be considered separate from their adult counterparts,due to the distinctive nature of the examination,clinical presentations,and management choices.This manuscript will highlight four common pediatric neuro-ophthalmic disorders by describing common clinical presentations,recommended management,and highlighting recent developments.Diseases discussed include pediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension(IIH),pseudopapilledema,optic neuritis(ON)and optic pathway gliomas(OPG).The demographics,diagnosis and management of common pediatric neuro-ophthalmic disease require a working knowledge of the current research presented herein.Special attention should be placed on the differences between pediatric and adult entities such that children can be appropriately diagnosed and treated.