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Association of multiple sclerosis and intracranial hypertension
N J Newman1, K A Selzer, R A Bell
1Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
Insights
Three patients with multiple sclerosis also had pseudotumor cerebri. This suggests that intracranial hypertension might be a symptom of demyelinating diseases, not just a coincidence.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimmunology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.
- Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC), also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), is characterized by elevated intracranial pressure without a clear cause.
- The co-occurrence of MS and PTC is rare.
Observation:
- Three patients presented with concurrent diagnostic criteria for both MS and PTC.
- These patients exhibited symptoms and diagnostic findings consistent with both conditions.
Findings:
- The study identified three cases where patients met diagnostic criteria for both multiple sclerosis and pseudotumor cerebri.
- This observation challenges the assumption of mere coincidence.
Implications:
- Intracranial hypertension, as seen in PTC, may represent an underrecognized manifestation of demyelinating diseases like MS.
- Further research is warranted to explore the potential pathophysiological link between demyelination and intracranial hypertension.
- This finding could influence diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies for patients with overlapping symptoms.
Abstract:
Three patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for both multiple sclerosis and pseudotumor cerebri. Although coincidence is possible, intracranial hypertension may be a manifestation of demyelinating disease.