Pseudotumor cerebri: brief review of clinical syndrome and imaging findings

AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2011 Dec;32(11):1986-93. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A2404. Epub 2011 Jun 16.

Abstract

PTC is a clinical entity of uncertain etiology characterized by intracranial hypertension. The syndrome classically manifests with headaches and visual changes in women with obesity. Traditionally, imaging ruled out secondary causes of elevated CSF pressure but now may reveal findings frequently seen in patients with PTC, including the following: flattening of the globe, an empty sella, an enlarged ONS, protrusion and enhancement of the optic nerve head, and increased tortuosity of the optic nerve. Novel imaging methods, including MR venography, have additionally identified sinovenous stenosis as a potential indicator of PTC.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Hypertension / diagnosis*
  • Intracranial Hypertension / etiology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Obesity / complications
  • Pseudotumor Cerebri / diagnosis*
  • Pseudotumor Cerebri / etiology
  • Syndrome
  • Vision Disorders / pathology*