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Increased cerebral blood flow in idiopathic pseudotumour cerebri
C E Gross1, B I Tranmer, G Adey
1Division of Neurosurgery, University of Vermont, Burlington 05401.
Insights
This study found globally elevated cerebral blood flow in patients with idiopathic pseudotumor, averaging 149% of control values. A patient with cortical vein thrombosis showed normal global flows, suggesting different underlying mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Idiopathic pseudotumor, also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension, is a condition characterized by increased intracranial pressure without a clear cause.
- Understanding cerebral blood flow dynamics is crucial for diagnosing and managing neurological disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare cerebral blood flow patterns in patients with idiopathic pseudotumor versus cortical vein thrombosis.
- To explore potential pathophysiological mechanisms underlying altered cerebral blood flow in these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the 133Xenon (133Xe) inhalation method to measure cerebral blood flow.
- Studied a cohort of nine patients diagnosed with idiopathic pseudotumor and one patient with cortical vein thrombosis.
Main Results:
- All nine patients with idiopathic pseudotumor exhibited globally elevated cerebral blood flow, averaging 149% of control values.
- The single patient with cortical vein thrombosis presented with normal global cerebral blood flow measurements.
Conclusions:
- Idiopathic pseudotumor is associated with significantly increased global cerebral blood flow.
- Cortical vein thrombosis does not appear to affect global cerebral blood flow, suggesting distinct pathophysiological processes.
Abstract:
Cerebral blood flow was studied in nine patients with idiopathic pseudotumour and one patient with cortical vein thrombosis in Denver, Colorado using the 133Xe inhalation method. Globally elevated blood flows were found in all of the idiopathic pseudotumour patients averaging 149% of control values generated in the same setting. The patient with the cortical vein thrombosis demonstrated normal global flows. Possible pathophysiological mechanisms for these findings are discussed.