Pediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension: A not so rare and benign condition

Abstract

Objective: Pediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension is an underdiagnosed entity with catastrophic presentations. High index of suspicion with early diagnosis and prompt treatment is the key to successful management. Trans-nasal trans-sphenoid Endoscopic Optic Nerve Fenestration is an effective surgical modality for the reversal of vision loss in pediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Materials and methods: This is a single center observational prospective case series. Five diagnosed pediatric patients of IIH satisfying the modified Dandy criteria and reported to the out-patient services of otolaryngology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India in the year 2012 were included in this study. All children underwent thorough clinical examination, complete Neuroophthalmological work-up including Visual acuity (V/A), Visual field charting (V/F), Fundus venogram and Radiological work-up with MRI for special optic nerve sections in sagittal reconstruction. Cerebro-Spinal Fluid pressure (CSF) measured preoperatively for all children. Standard endoscopic optic nerve Sheath Fenestration was performed on all children. visual improvement was assessed by comparing preoperative ophthalmological findings. Results: Improvement in vision was taken as a positive outcome. Vision improved in all except one child, who had preexisting optic nerve atrophy. Conclusion: Endoscopic optic nerve fenestration is an effective minimally invasive procedure to revert visual loss in pediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension.