Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2026
07:43
Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
[Intracranial hypertension and cranial sinus stenosis]
C Arruabarrena1, G Ancochea, G Rebolleda
1Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Universidad de Alcalá de Henares, Servicio de Oftalmología, Sección de Neurooftalmología, Madrid, España. carruabarrena@eresmas.com
Archivos De La Sociedad Espanola De Oftalmologia
|October 16, 2008
Summary
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension can involve cranial sinus stenosis. While some cases respond to conservative treatment, others may benefit from angioplasty and stenting for venous sinus stenosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition characterized by increased intracranial pressure without a clear cause.
- Cranial sinus stenosis has been observed in patients diagnosed with IIH.
Observation:
- Neuroimaging identified right transverse sinus stenosis in a patient with IIH.
- The pressure gradient across the stenosis was minimal.
- The patient responded well to conservative management.
Findings:
- Lateral sinus stenosis is a common finding in individuals with idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
- The causal relationship between sinus stenosis and elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure in IIH remains undetermined.
- Angioplasty with stent placement may be a viable treatment option for refractory cases.
Implications:
- Understanding the role of sinus stenosis in IIH pathogenesis is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
- Interventional procedures like angioplasty could offer alternatives for patients unresponsive to medical therapy.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the link between venous sinus stenosis and IIH.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Increased 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...
01:29Increased 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...
01:22Cerebral 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...
01:19Cerebral Edema l: Introduction
Cerebral edema is a pathological increase in brain water content that disrupts intracranial pressure regulation and impairs neurological function. Because the cranial vault is rigid, even modest increases in tissue volume can compromise cerebral perfusion, distort neural structures, and initiate secondary injury. Cerebral edema develops through four principal mechanisms: vasogenic, cytotoxic, interstitial, and ionic.Vasogenic EdemaVasogenic edema arises from disruption of the blood–brain...
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
01:17Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...