MRI-findings in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (Pseudotumor cerebri)

Abstract

Background Pseudotumor cerebri, also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension, is a disorder of increased intracranial pressure of unknown etiology. Main symptom is headache which has a characteristic similar to other headache diseases, therefore the idiopathic intracranial hypertension often remains undetected. The incidence is 1/100 000 with the number of unreported cases being much higher. This article highlights the essential role of MRI in the differential diagnosis.

Methods A literature search was carried out on idiopathic intracranial hypertension and Pseudotumor cerebri in English and German. Original and Review articles as well as case reports were taken into account. Since the main focus of the article is MRI diagnostics, some images were selected to illustrate the characteristic MRI morphological features.

Results and Conclusion The diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension is based on an exclusion procedure. Most common syndromes are headache, transient visual obscurations, pulsatile tinnitus and nausea. In the presence of an underlying cause for the increased intracranial pressure one speaks of a secondary intracranial hypertension. The diagnostics include a detailed medical history, neurological and ophthalmic examination, lumbar puncture, and neuroradiological imaging procedures. MRI, in particular, has become increasingly important in recent years, since signs for changes in cerebrospinal fluid pressure are now detectable and well-defined. The therapeutic approaches are symptom-oriented and aim to lower the pressure. With a precise diagnosis and timely start of therapy, idiopathic intracranial hypertension has a good prognosis, especially with regard to the preservation of eyesight.

Key Points: 

• The idiopathic intracranial hypertension is an important differential diagnosis for unspecific headache and impaired vision

• Overweight women in childbearing age are particularly affected

• The most important component in diagnostics is MRI

Citation Format

• Juhász J, Hensler J, Jansen O. MRT-Befunde bei der idiopathischen intrakraniellen Hypertension (Pseudotumor cerebri). Fortschr Röntgenstr 2021; 193: 1269 – 1276

Key words

pseudotumor cerebri - idiopathic intracranial hypertension - secondary intracranial hypertension - MRI - MR-venography

Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 31. Oktober 2020

Angenommen: 03. März 2021

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
12. Mai 2021

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