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.

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.

Acute Epidural Hematoma Compressing the Dominant Sigmoid Sinus as an Unusual Cause of Intracranial Hypertension: Case Report and Review of Literature

Post traumatic dural sinus vein stenosis has been rarely described in pediatric population. We present a case of a 9-year-old child that had sustained a head injury after a fall from height causing an acute epidural hematoma compressing the dominant sigmoid sinus. The patient had developed sub acutely signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure. Prophylactic treatment with anticoagulants was initiated despite the presence of an intracranial bleeding. Clinical and radiological improvements were achieved. We had also reviewed the literature regarding this uncommon entity and discussed other existing diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives. Further gathering of information is essential in order to form a therapeutic protocol.

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.

Analysis of 164 patients with non-space-occupying intracranial hypertension

The authors presented the experiences of diagnosis and clinical management in 164 patients with nonSpace-occupying intracranial hypertension. Head trauma, viral or bacterial infection seemed to be the commonestcauses of the disease ( 86. %) , and the other 14%were due to the endocrine dysfunction , subarachnoid hemorrhage or anemia in this group. All of the patients showed clinical features of increased intracranial pressure andophthalmic symptoms such as visual blurring and papilloedema. The treatment measures for these patients includ-ed the administration of corticosteroids and osmolar loads , and repeated lumbar punctures , continuous ventriculardrainages or subtemporal decompressions , etc. As the results , 103 patients ( 62. 8%)had a satisfactory recovery,in which their headache relieved , other symptoms abolished, and the ICP reached normal level. Thirty-five cases(21. 3%) had obvious improvement in their symptoms and signs , and no patient died in our series. The authorsconsidered that the early diagnosis and treatment should be given to the patients and better therapeutic effect couldbe achieved.

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.

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension in Sickle Cell Disease: A Paediatric Case Report

In this article, we present the case of a 12-year-old girl with sickle cell disease (SCD), who presented with the severe headache. She had bilateral 6th cranial nerve palsy and papilloedema. The common sickle cell-related vascular causes of headache were ruled out by neuro-imaging. She then had a lumbar puncture and was diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). This case demonstrates that IIH can affect younger children with SCD and should form a part of differential diagnosis when investigating causes of headache in SCD.

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension in Pregnancy Treated with Serial Lumbar Punctures

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a syndrome of elevated intracranial pressure with normal CSF composi-tion and no evidence of hydrocephalus or mass lesion. We describe the anesthetic management of a parturient with IIH who required multiple lumbar punctures during pregnancy and delivery secondary to worsening neurological symp-toms.

Resolution of idiopathic intracranial hypertension after sustained lowering of cerebrospinal fluid pressure

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension(IIH) is a syndrome of headache due to raised intracranial pressure(ICP) where the cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) is normal and there is no alternative pathology on imaging. The aetiology is unknown. This review questions many of the prevailing views regarding aetiology and treatment of IIH. It explores the concept that there is a vicious cycle of fluctuating raised ICP leading to secondary compression of the transverse sinuses and further elevation of ICP. It also raises the question as to whether this vicious cycle could be relieved by prolonged drainage of CSF as seen in Lumbar puncture induced low-pressure headache or alternatively a lumbar drain.

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.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Diversion Procedures for Treatment of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: Single Center Experience

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a disorder characterized by increased intracranial pressure without any identifiable etiology with normal brain imaging and normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) content. CSF diversion procedures are commonly used for treatment if medical treatment failed. The aim of this study is to report our experience in treatment of IIH with lumboperitoneal (LP) and stereotactic guided ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts. The clinical data of 43 consecutive patients with IIH refractory to medical treatment and underwent CSF diversion procedures between 2009 and 2014 were analyzed. 29 patients underwent LP shunts and the remaining 14 patients underwent stereotactic guided Ventricular shunts. All patients underwent clinical, imaging and CSF manometry evaluation. 38 (88.4%) patients were female and the remaining 5 (11.6%) patients were male. The mean age was 27.2 years. The opening pressure was above 300 mm H2O in 26 (69.8%) patients. Headache (100%) and blurring and/or diminution of vision (81.4%) were the commonest clinical presentation. 36 (83.7%) patients reported recovery of their headache and 30 (69.7%) patients showed complete resolution of papilledema. The clinical outcome between both procedures was not significant. The incidence of perioperative complications (20.7% vs. 0%) and shunt revisions (27.6% vs. 7.1%) were higher in patients with LP shunt than patients with stereotactic Ventricular shunts. The results of this study demonstrate that both LP and Ventricular shunts are valid diversion procedures for treatment of IIH. Stereotactic guided Ventricular shunt has lower incidence of complications and revisions and seems to be safe, effective and feasible alternative procedure for treatment of IIH.

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.

TCD value for evaluating the intracranial hypertension and nerve injury in patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage

Objective: To evaluate the assessment of intracranial hypertension and nerve injury in patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage by transcranial Doppler (TCD). Methods: The patients who were hospitalized for hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage between August 2014 and February 2017 were selected as the cerebral hemorrhage group and healthy subjects who received physical examination during the same period were selected as the control group;TCD was used to determine the PI of affected-side and unaffected-side middle cerebral artery in cerebral hemorrhage group and lumbar puncture was done to measure intracranial pressure. The serum was collected from the two groups to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines and nerve injury markers. Results: PI level in affected-side middle cerebral artery of cerebral hemorrhage group was significantly higher than that in the unaffected-side and positively correlated with intracranial pressure level;serum IL-1β, TNF-α, ICAM-1, MMP9, YKL-40, Asp, Glu, NPY, NSE and GFAP levels of cerebral hemorrhage group were significantly higher than those of control group, and serum IL-1β, TNF-α, ICAM-1, MMP9, YKL-40, Asp, Glu, NPY, NSE and GFAP levels of cerebral hemorrhage group of patients with high PI level were significantly higher than those of cerebral hemorrhage group of patients with low PI level. Conclusion: TCD parameters can evaluate the degree of intracranial pressure increase and nerve injury in patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage.

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.

Microvascular Changes in the Retrobulbar Optic Nerve in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

Purpose : To examine the microvascular changes in the retrobulbar optic nerve in idio-pathic intracranial hypertension (PTC).Methods: Both optic nerves from a 29-year-old man with a two year history of PTC were examined histologically and morphometrically. A semi-automated image analysis system and paraphenylenediamine (PPD) stain were employed to resolve sufficiently the microvascular images for counts and measurement.Results: There were 150 vessels distributed in the optic nerves which revealed the following: The average lumen of the vessels in outer sectors were larger than those of the inner sector vessels (168. 17μm2vs. 46. 99μm2; p = 0. 0338;OD; and 251. 96μm2vs. 130.02μm2;p = 0.029;OS) while in the normal control optic nerve the outer and inner area lumens were reversed in size-differential, but this did not show a statistical difference. The thickness of the PTC optic nerve vessel walls in the outer sectors was also greater than that of the walls in the inner sectors (4. 95μm vs. 2. 67μm;

Prognostic value of intracranial pressure monitoring for the management of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage following minimally invasive surgery

BACKGROUND:The incidence of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage(HICH)has been increasing during the recent years in low-and middle-income countries.With high mortality and morbidity rates,it brings huge burden to the families.It lacks evidence regarding the application of intracranial pressure(ICP)monitoring in HICH.In the current study,the authors aimed to evaluate whether ICP monitoring could make any difference on the prognosis of HICH patients after minimally invasive surgery.METHODS:A retrospective review of 116 HICH patients admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine,between 2014 and 2016,was performed.The effects of ICP monitoring on 6-month mortality and favorable outcomes were evaluated by univariate and logistic regression analysis.RESULTS:ICP monitors were inserted into 50 patients.Patients with ICP monitoring had a significantly better outcome(P<0.05).The average in-hospital duration in patients with ICP monitoring was shorter than that in the patients without ICP monitoring(16.68 days vs.20.47 days,P<0.05).Mortality rates between ICP monitoring and no ICP monitoring did not differ significantly(16.0%vs.15.1%,P=0.901).On univariate analysis,age,Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS)on admission and presence of ICP monitor were independent predictors of 6-month favorable outcomes.CONCLUSION:ICP monitoring is associated with a better 6-month functional outcome compared with no ICP monitoring.Future study is still needed to confirm our results and elucidate which subgroup of HICH patients will benefit most from the minimally invasive surgical intervention and ICP monitoring.

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.

Effect of minimally invasive intracranial hematoma drainage on inflammatory factors, serum ferritin and serum P substance in patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage

Objective:To study the effect of minimally invasive intracranial hematoma drainage on inflammatory factors, serum ferritin and serum P substance in patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage.Methods:92 cases of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage patients in our hospital were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups: minimally invasive group (51 cases) and routine group (41 cases). Minimally invasive intracranial hematoma drainage was performed on the minimally invasive group. Bone flap decompression or small bone window craniotomy were used in the routine group. Tumor necrosis factorα (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), high sensitive C reactive protein (hs-CRP) and serum protein (SF), serum substance P (SP) in the 2 groups were detected before treatment and 2 weeks after treatment.Results: The comparison of TNF-α, IL-6, hs-CRP, SP, and SF in the two groups before treatment was not statistically significant (P>0.05). TNF-α, IL-6, hs-CRP and SF in both groups after treatment significantly decreased, compared with that before treatment (P<0.01,P<0.05). TNF-α, IL-6, and SF in minimally invasive group decreased more significantly than that in routine group (P<0.01);The comparison of SP in the two groups after treatment significantly increased compared with that before treatment (P<0.01,P<0.05). SP in minimally invasive group increased more significantly than that in routine group (P<0.05).Conclusions:Compared with bone flap decompression or small bone window craniotomy, minimally invasive intracranial hematoma drainage can inhibit inflammatory reaction, reduce the degree of nerve damage and alleviate clinical symptoms more effectively.

Therapeutic effect of minimally invasive intracranial hematoma evacuation in the treatment of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage and TCD evaluation

Objective:To explore the therapeutic effect of minimally invasive intracranial hematoma evacuation in the treatment of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage and the value of dynamic TCD monitoring in predicting the neurological function recovery.Methods: A total of 70 patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage who were admitted in our hospital were included in the study and divided into the minimally invasive group and conservative group with 35 cases in each group according to different treatment protocols. The patients in the two groups were given drug conservative treatments. On this basis, the patients in the minimally invasive group were given urokinase in combined with minimally invasive hematoma puncture with YL-1 type needle. TCD was performed before treatment, 1 d, 5 d, 10 d, and 21 d after treatment. The hematoma and edema volume was calculated. NIHSS was used to evaluate the neurological function recovery.Results: Vs, Vd, and Vm after treatment in the minimally invasive group were significantly elevated, while PI was significantly reduced. Vs, Vd, and Vm after treatment in the conservative group were reduced first and elevated later, while PI was elevated first and reduced later, and reached the lowest/peak 10d after treatment. Vs, Vd, and Vm 5 d, 10 d, and 21 d after treatment in the minimally invasive group were significantly higher than those in the conservative group, while PI was significantly lower than that in the conservative group. The hematoma and edema volume after treatment in the two groups was significantly reduced. The hematoma and edema volume at each timing point was significantly lower than that in the conservative group. NIHSS score after treatment in the minimally invasive group was significantly reduced. NIHSS score in the conservative group was elevated first and reduced later, reached the peak 10d after treatment, and at each timing point was higher than that in the minimally invasive group.Conclusions:The early minimally invasive operation can significantly improve the hematoma adjacent blood flow volume in patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage, and contribute to the neurological function recovery. TCD not only can be applied in the dynamic monitoring of cerebral blood flow volume in patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage, but also has a certain value in evaluating the prognosis of neurological function.

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.