A case of intracranial hypertension secondary to anemia

Abstract

We report a case of intracranial hypertension secondary to anemia. A 16-year-old adolescent female was referred to a local clinic for blurred vision and admitted to our hospital with suspected papilledema. Computed tomography of the head performed at the previous hospital revealed no intracranial abnormalities; however, blood test results showed severe anemia. The patient was diagnosed with obesity ( mean body weight ≥ 150% ). We suspected idiopathic intracranial hypertension and initiated treatment with oral acetazolamide and drip infusion of hypertonic diuretic; however, her papilledema worsened. Hypermenorrhea was considered in the differential diagnosis of anemia, and she was prescribed norgestrel and ethinylestradiol tablets by the gynecology department. Improvent in anemia led to resolution of papilledema and improvement in visual acuity and visual field. Papilledema secondary to intracranial hypertension may cause irreversible visual dysfunction. Patients with suspected idiopathic intracranial hypertension should undergo evaluation for and subsequent treatment of anemia in confirmed cases.