Intracranial hypertension in 2 children with marfan syndrome

Yvonne Hilhorst-Hofstee1, Lucia J M Kroft, Gerard Pals

  • 1Center for Human and Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. hilhorst@lumc.nl

Insights

Two children with Marfan syndrome experienced recurrent intracranial hypertension, a condition previously unreported in this genetic disorder. Symptoms like headache and nausea resolved after cerebrospinal fluid pressure was reduced via lumbar puncture.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Genetics
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder affecting connective tissue.
  • Intracranial hypotension has been previously associated with severe headaches in Marfan syndrome.

Observation:

  • Two unrelated children with Marfan syndrome presented with recurrent intracranial hypertension.
  • Symptoms included headache, nausea, vomiting, and papilledema in one child.
  • Increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure was confirmed in both patients.

Findings:

  • The children's symptoms resolved after lumbar puncture, indicating relief from elevated intracranial pressure.
  • This is the first documented report of intracranial hypertension in patients with Marfan syndrome.

Implications:

  • Highlights a novel neurological complication of Marfan syndrome.
  • Suggests the need for monitoring intracranial pressure in Marfan syndrome patients presenting with relevant symptoms.
  • Expands understanding of the diverse clinical manifestations of Marfan syndrome.

Related Concept Videos

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction01:14

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
Aneurysm I: Introduction01:30

Aneurysm I: Introduction

An aortic aneurysm is a localized outpouching or dilation at a weak point in the artery wall. It may involve different parts of the aorta, such as the abdominal aorta, aortic arch, or thoracic aorta.Etiological factorsSeveral disorders are associated with aortic aneurysms.Congenital causes, such as primary connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, impact the integrity and strength of connective tissues, notably affecting the aorta. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that specifically...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology01:29

Hypertension II: Pathophysiology

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...