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[Pseudotumor cerebri in an infant]

R Simón de las Heras1, M Cebrero García, J Torres Mohedas

  • 1Unidad de Neurología Infantil, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid.

Anales Espanoles De Pediatria
|August 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Benign intracranial hypertension, or pseudotumor cerebri, in infants can be transiently caused by nonspecific infections. Lumbar puncture provided rapid symptom relief, though recurrences were noted with subsequent febrile illnesses.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Benign intracranial hypertension (BIH), also known as pseudotumor cerebri, is a condition characterized by increased intracranial pressure without a tumor.
  • BIH is rare in infants, and its association with nonspecific infections is not well-established.
  • Understanding the triggers and dynamics of BIH in infants is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.

Observation:

  • Two infant cases of BIH associated with nonspecific infective illnesses are presented.
  • Presenting symptoms included vomiting, irritability, and a bulging anterior fontanelle.
  • Both infants experienced rapid symptom resolution following lumbar puncture.

Findings:

  • Nonspecific infectious illnesses may transiently disrupt cerebrospinal fluid dynamics in infants.
  • The second infant experienced recurrent episodes of BIH coinciding with further febrile diseases.
  • Lumbar puncture was an effective short-term treatment for elevated intracranial pressure.

Implications:

  • Nonspecific infections should be considered in the differential diagnosis of BIH in infants.
  • Transient cerebrospinal fluid dynamic alterations may underlie infection-associated BIH in this age group.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms linking infection and BIH in infants.

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