PP15.9 – 2371: Pseudotumor cerebri: A single center experience in 24 patients

• Published in: European journal of paediatric neurology 2015-05, Vol.19, p.S92-S92
• Main Authors: Türkdoğan, D, Thomas, G, Ünver, O, Kutlubay, B, Hacifazlioğlu, N.E
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Neurology; Pediatrics
• ISSN: 1090-3798; 1532-2130
• DOI: 10.1016/S1090-3798(15)30306-8

Objective Pseudotumor cerebri is a syndrome characterized by signs and symptoms of high intracranial pressure without radiological evidence of intracranial mass. Our aim is to present data of patients diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri in our department. Methods We analyzed the epidemiology, etiology and follow-up of 24 consecutive patients. Results Twenty-four patients were included in the study. There were 14 girls (58.3%), with an average age at presentation of 10.2±3.9 years (3–17 years). The major symptom at presentation was headache (84%, n=21). Two patients (8%) presented with focal convulsion only and six patients (25%) had unilateral abducens paralysis at presentation. Five of these patients (20%) had other complaints like blurred vision, vomiting or convulsion in addition to headache. When classified according to etiology, 10 patients (41.7%) were overweighted. Nine of these patients were prepubertal girls. Sinus vein thrombosis was detected in five patients (20.8%) and two of these patients were males diagnosed with Behçet's disease. Etiology was unknown in nine patients, one of whom was diagnosed with Coffin Siris Syndrome. The average number of lumber puncture (LP) performed per patient was two (range 1–10). The average time between two LPs was 4.1 months (0.3–10 m). Acetozolamide was used in all of the patients. Four patients (16.7%) underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt procedure. Mean follow up time was 10.3 months (0.5–36 m). Mean time to resolution of symptoms was 90 days (7–300 d). Patients who had surgical operation had complete recovery. Patients under medical treatment had exacerbations and resolution periods. No patient had permanent visual loss. Conclusion With increased awareness, patients with complaints of headache or the other symptoms of increased intracranial pressure are more commonly referred to pediatric neurology clinics.