Pseudotumor cerebri in childhood: a new vision to clinical spectrum and predictors for visual outcome

Cemile Busra Olculu, Seda Kanmaz, Ilayda Korkmaz, Yavuz Atas, Cenk Eraslan, Elif Demirkilinc Biler, Hepsen Mine Serin, Sanem Yilmaz, Omer Kitis, Onder Uretmen, Cem Calli, Gul Aktan, Sarenur Gokben, Hasan Tekgul

Objective: To evaluate the clinical spectrum and visual outcome in children with pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) through a new vision using a scoring model based-on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings with respect to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure. Methods: A total of 47 children with PTC, had been treated with departmental pharmacotherapy and surgical modalities included in the cohort: group I:elevated CSF pressure (>250-280 mm-H2O) and group II:normal CSF pressure. A scoring model was designed based on the four MRI parameters: (P1)decreased pituitary gland size, (P2)posterior globe flattening, (P3)horizontal tortuosity of the optic nerve, (P4)transverse sinus stenosis. The scoring model applied for the prediction of the early visual outcome and the long-term outcome. Results: Female to male ratio was 1.23:1. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 10.3±3.9 (1-16) years. Group I had 35 patients and CSF pressure (mean 464±177 mm-H2O, range:260-930). Group II involved 12 (25.5%) patients with following MRG parameters: P1 in 5, P2 in 7, P3 in 7, P4 in 4 patients. Optic nerve surgery was performed in 5 (10.6%) patients in the early period due to resistance to medical therapy or progress very fast and 21 (44.7%) patients had visual field defects in the long-term outcome in all group. No statistically significant correlation was found between the total score of MRI findings, CSF pressure values, and visual outcome. Conclusion: The diagnostic challenges of PTC in childhood are still problematic without CSF analysis. MRI findings provide a significant impact on the clinical diagnosis of PTC in children.
Keywords: Pseudotumor cerebri

Cemile Busra Olculu
Ege University Medical Faculty
Turkey

Seda Kanmaz
Ege University Medical Faculty
Turkey

Ilayda Korkmaz
Ege University Medical Faculty
Turkey

Yavuz Atas
Ege University Medical Faculty
Turkey

Cenk Eraslan
Ege University Medical Faculty
Turkey

Elif Demirkilinc Biler
Ege University Medical Faculty
Turkey

Hepsen Mine Serin
Ege University Medical Faculty
Turkey

Sanem Yilmaz
Ege University Medical Faculty
Turkey

Omer Kitis
Ege University Medical Faculty
Turkey

Onder Uretmen
Ege University Medical Faculty
Turkey

Cem Calli
Ege University Medical Faculty
Turkey

Gul Aktan
Ege University Medical Faculty
Turkey

Sarenur Gokben
Ege University Medical Faculty
Turkey

Hasan Tekgul
Ege University Medical Faculty
Turkey
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Cemile Busra Olculu
 Ege University Medical Faculty Turkey