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Pediatric pseudotumor cerebri: descriptive epidemiology
1IWK Grace Health Centre, Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Summary
Pediatric pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) is more common in adolescent females. This study determined age and sex-specific incidence rates for pediatric PTC in a defined region.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC), also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension, is a condition characterized by increased intracranial pressure without a clear cause.
- Pediatric cases of PTC are less understood, necessitating further epidemiological research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the epidemiological profile of pediatric pseudotumor cerebri.
- To establish age- and sex-specific incidence rates for pediatric PTC.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case series was conducted at a single tertiary care pediatric hospital.
- Data were collected for children aged 2-15 years diagnosed with benign intracranial hypertension (ICD9 code 348.2) between 1979 and 1994.
- Twenty-nine cases met the modified Dandy's diagnostic criteria for pseudotumor cerebri after chart review.
Main Results:
- The overall annual incidence of symptomatic pediatric PTC was 0.9 per 100,000 children.
- Female children were 2.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with PTC than males.
- Adolescents (12-15 years) were twice as likely to develop PTC compared to younger children.
Conclusions:
- This study provides unique age- and sex-specific incidence rates for pediatric pseudotumor cerebri.
- The findings highlight a higher risk in adolescent females, informing future research and clinical awareness.