Normal Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure Research Articles

Dynamics of cerebrospinal fluid pressure alterations and bilateral transverse-sigmoid sinus morphologies in Asian patients with venous pulsatile tinnitus.

This study was performed to investigate the dynamics of intracranial pressure (ICP) alterations and bilateral transverse-sigmoid sinus morphologies in patients with venous pulsatile tinnitus (PT). This retrospective study involved 27 patients with venous PT associated with sigmoid sinus wall anomalies. ICP and ICP metrics were measured by cerebrospinal fluid manometry and internal jugular vein compression tests. Correlation analysis was performed to determine the statistical correlation between ICP and the morphological metrics. The mean ICP was 212.5 ± 47.3 mmH2O. The median was 130 (range, 55-150) mmH2O. The was linearly correlated with the open lumbar pressure, and a significant difference was found between patients with normal and elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure. The was linearly correlated with the and . was linearly correlated with Complete obstruction of flow patency should be avoided in patients with low ICP and large volumetric/patency differences in the bilateral transverse-sigmoid sinus systems.

Intracranial pressure, lateral sinus patency, and jugular ultrasound hemodynamics in patients with venous pulsatile tinnitus.

The clinical and hemodynamic characteristics of venous pulsatile tinnitus (PT) patients with normal or elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFP) have not been clearly differentiated. This study aimed to explore CSFP among patients with PT as the solitary symptom, as well as quantitatively and qualitatively assess the role of the degree of transverse sinus (TS) stenosis and jugular hemodynamics in venous PT patients. A total of 50 subjects with venous PT with or without sigmoid sinus wall anomalies (SSWAs) were enrolled in this study. In addition to radiologic assessments for TS stenosis and invagination of arachnoid granulation (AG) in TS, CSFP and jugular hemodynamics were measured via cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) manometry and Doppler ultrasound. Apart from group comparisons and correlation analyses, multivariate linear regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) models were used to identify the sensitivity and specificity of the index of transverse sinus stenosis (ITSS) and hemodynamic variables with inferential significance. The mean CSFP of all cases was 199.5 ± 52.7 mmH2O, with no statistical difference in CSFP between the diverticulum and dehiscence groups. Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that CSFP was linearly correlated with ITSS and pulsatility index (PI). ROC analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve of PI was 0.693 at 200 mmH2O threshold, and the best PI cut-off value was 0.467, with a sensitivity of 65.7% and specificity of 81.8%. For 250 mmH2O threshold, the area under the ROC curve of PI was 0.718, and the best PI cut-off value was 0.467 with a sensitivity of 68.4% and specificity of 75.0%. Additionally, the area under the ROC curve of ITSS was 0.757, and the best ITSS cutoff value was 8.5 (p = 0.002, 95% CI = 0.616–0.898) with a sensitivity of 72.4% and specificity of 75.0% at 200 mmH2O threshold. In conclusion, patients with venous PT as the only presenting symptom should be suspected of having borderline or increased CSFP when they present with high ITSS, BMI and low PI. Further, AG in TS without encephalocele and empty sellae are not limiting findings for differentiating the level of CSFP in patients with venous PT.

Comparison of the Range of Lumbar Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure in Adults With Normal Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure and in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension.

Lumbar puncture CSF pressure measurements in a large group of adults (116) having lumbar puncture (LP) for diagnostic reasons with no clinical indication of raised intracranial pressure were used to establish the normal range of CSF pressure. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure was also measured in a smaller unselected series of patients (35) with the syndrome of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). All the lumbar punctures were performed by the same highly skilled operator, a consultant nurse, to ensure accuracy of measurement. The results showed that the mean CSF pressure was 18.7 cm H 2 O with a range of 1-29 cm H 2 O in the group with normal CSF pressure. Ninty-five percentage of values was below 29 cm H 2 O in the group with normal CSF pressure. In the series with IIH, the mean and range were 37.7 cm H 2 O and 29.5-66 cm H 2 O, respectively. The lowest recorded pressure in the IIH group was 29.5 cm H 2 O with 95% of values above 31. This is the first time that the normal range of CSF pressure and that found in a group of patients with IIH has been reported after LP performed by the same operator to ensure inaccuracy of measurement has not biased the results. It suggests that the current upper limit of normal adopted by the revised diagnostic criteria for IIH (25 cm H 2 O) may be too low. The range of normal CSF pressure and that found in patients with IIH in our study suggests that consideration should be given to revising the upper limit of normal CSF pressure to around 30 cm H 2 O.

Salomón Hakim, MD (1922-2011): A honeymoon with Neurosurgery.

Salomón Hakim (1922-2011) was a Colombian neurosurgeon and brain scientist This biography examines the social and cultural background through which he emerged as an inquisitive and multi-dimensional surgeon-scientist, and his lifelong contributions to the specialty of neurosurgery. With empirical knowledge in applied medical physics, electronics, electricity and chemistry, he understood the paradoxical phenomenon of symptomatic hydrocephalus with normal cerebrospinal fluid pressure. This ultimately led Hakim to describe in exquisite detail the physics of the cranial cavity and brain hydrodynamics. His name is intertwined with the identification of the entity of a syndrome which had not previously been addressed in the medical literature: Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (Hakim's syndrome). Additionally, he designed and built various models of valved shunting devices to treat the condition (eg the Hakim programmable valve). Through his selflessness and cogent work, Hakim left a legacy and intellectual heritage that has allowed many colleagues worldwide to save thousands of lives who would be otherwise condemned to oblivion.

The Pre-Lumbar puncture Intracranial Hypertension Scale (PLIHS): A practical scale to identify subjects with normal cerebrospinal fluid pressure in the management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension

BackgroundIdiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) diagnosis requires lumbar puncture to measure cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure. The Pre-Lumbar puncture Intracranial Hypertension Scale (PLIHS) is aimed to detect cases that will show raised or normal CSF opening pressure. MethodsRetrospective analysis of records of patients who underwent lumbar puncture for suspect IIH. The target was CSF opening pressure ≥ 250 mmH2O, whereas a set of known neurological, neuro-ophthalmological and neuro-radiological parameters, plus obesity, were used as predictors in a logistic regression model. The PLIHS was based on significant predictors and a cut-off was validated using chi-squared test around CSF opening pressure ≥ 250 and < 200 mmH2O. ResultsRecords of 162 patients were included: CSF opening pressure was <200 mmH2O in 40 and ≥ 250 mmH2O in 95 patients; 85 fulfilled IIH diagnosis. PLIHS is based on Frisén grade 2 or higher papilledema, tinnitus, empty sella, perioptic subarachnoid space distension, and obesity. Score range is 0–7: correlation with CSF opening pressure is 0.508 (p < .001), and PLIHS score is different between subjects not diagnosed with IIH, and those diagnosed with IIH both with and without papilledema (p < .001). PLIHS score ≤ 2 identifies cerebrospinal fluid pressure < 200 mmH2O; PLIHS score ≥ 3 identifies CSF opening pressure ≥ 250 mmH2O, IIH diagnosis, visual acuity ≤0.7, and optic nerve atrophy. ConclusionsThe PLIHS, can be used to identify patients who will particularly need LP, thus helping with the organization of the diagnostic work-up by optimising healthcare resources and potentially limit the likelihood to incur in LP-related adverse events.

Reference values for intracranial pressure and lumbar cerebrospinal fluid pressure: a systematic review

BackgroundAlthough widely used in the evaluation of the diseased, normal intracranial pressure and lumbar cerebrospinal fluid pressure remain sparsely documented. Intracranial pressure is different from lumbar cerebrospinal fluid pressure. In addition, intracranial pressure differs considerably according to the body position of the patient. Despite this, the current reference values do not distinguish between intracranial and lumbar cerebrospinal fluid pressures, and body position-dependent reference values do not exist. In this study, we aim to establish these reference values.MethodA systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Web of Sciences. Methodological quality was assessed using an amended version of the Joanna Briggs Quality Appraisal Checklist. Intracranial pressure and lumbar cerebrospinal fluid pressure were independently evaluated and subdivided into body positions. Quantitative data were presented with mean ± SD, and 90% reference intervals.ResultsThirty-six studies were included. Nine studies reported values for intracranial pressure, while 27 reported values for the lumbar cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Reference values for intracranial pressure were − 5.9 to 8.3 mmHg in the upright position and 0.9 to 16.3 mmHg in the supine position. Reference values for lumbar cerebrospinal fluid pressure were 7.2 to 16.8 mmHg and 5.7 to 15.5 mmHg in the lateral recumbent position and supine position, respectively.ConclusionsThis systematic review is the first to provide position-dependent reference values for intracranial pressure and lumbar cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Clinically applicable reference values for normal lumbar cerebrospinal fluid pressure were established, and are in accordance with previously used reference values. For intracranial pressure, this study strongly emphasizes the scarcity of normal pressure measures, and highlights the need for further research on the matter.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension or pseudotumour cerebri? The conundrum of nomenclature in the presence of normal cerebrospinal fluid pressures

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), also known as Pseudo tumour cerebri (PTC), is a condition in which the patient presents with signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, with no demonstrable organic cause in the brain imaging including venous sinus thrombosis, and with normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) composition. Atypical cases of IIH have been reported periodically, and an important subset of these patients have normal CSF Opening pressure (OP) on lumbar puncture (LP). Application of strict criteria for diagnosing such patients needs reconsideration. We present 7 cases of IIH with normal CSF Opening pressures, out of 30 consecutive patients of suspected IIH admitted to the neurosurgery ward of a tertiary care hospital over a period of 2 years, kindling interest in nomenclature and diagnostic dilemma if strict criteria are adhered to. Keywords: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), Pseudo tumour cerebri (PTC), Opening pressure, Lumbar puncture, Normal CSF pressures.

Идиопатическая нормотензивная гидроцефалия. Ретроспектива гипотез патогенеза и современные теории

Идиопатическая нормотензивная гидроцефалия - хроническое прогрессирующее дегенеративное заболевание головного мозга, характеризующееся изменением конфигурации боковых желудочков и других ликворсодержащих пространств головного мозга на фоне нормального давления ликвора, проявляющееся клинически триадой симптомов: нарушением походки, развитием деменции и нарушением мочеиспускания. Патофизиология и патоморфогенез этого заболевания до конца не ясны. С появлением термина и описания клинической картины нормотензивной гидроцефалии в 1964 г. S. Hakim выполнено множество экспериментальных, морфологических и клинических исследований, направленных на выяснение ключевых звеньев патогенеза заболевания. В представленной работе приведена ретроспектива взглядов на закономерности патогенеза идиопатической нормотензивной гидроцефалии, анализируются современные исследования, посвящённые данной проблеме, а также обобщены и сформулированы основные теории, касающиеся ключевых звеньев патологического процесса. Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus is a chronic, progressive degenerative brain disease characterized by ventricular enlargement disproportionate to other cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces with normal CSF pressure. This disease presents with gait disturbance, cognitive impairment, and incontinence. The pathophysiology and morphogenesis of this condition are not well studied. Since the first description by S. Hakim in 1964, a number of experimental and morphological studies have focused on investigation of the disease mechanisms. This review retrospectively analyzed and summarized principal ideas about the pathogenesis of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Effect of Lumbar Drainage on Cortical Excitability in Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is characterized by the clinical triad of gait disturbance, urinary incontinence, and memory impairment with normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been used to assess the corticospinal motor pathways in patients with iNPH with conflicting results. Our study included 11 patients with iNPH and 13 healthy controls. All the subjects underwent TMS and resting motor threshold (RMT), central motor conduction time (CMCT), short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), intracortical facilitation, and silent period (SP) were recorded in the upper limb. Besides, RMT and CMCT in lower limb were also recorded. Cognitive assessments were done using mini-mental status examination, Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), and Addenbrooke's cognitive evaluation III (ACE III). Same parameters were recorded 24 h of CSF (lumbar puncture, LP) drainage. Mean age of the iNPH patients was 69.00±6.71 years with age at onset being 66.64±7.10 years. Duration of disease was 1.80±1.25 years. A significant difference was noted in CMCT for the lower limb (CMCT-LL), SICI, and ipsilateral SP between pre-LP NPH and controls. Also, there was a significant difference in MoCA and ACE III between pre-LP NPH and controls. A significant reduction was observed in lower limb RMT between pre- and post-LP NPH patients. Post LP, there was a reduction in the lower limb CMCT and improvement in SICI. A significant prolongation of CMCT-LL was observed in NPH patients. Lumbar CSF drainage in them resulted in a significant reduction in lower limb RMT thereby suggesting an increase in cortical excitability.

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 accompanied with normal pressure hydrocephalus: a case report and literature review

BackgroundMyotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common disease that can cause muscle weakness and atrophy among adults. Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is characterized by the triad of gait disturbance, cognitive impairment and urinary incontinence. The association between DM1 and NPH is extremely rare. We report a Chinese female patient with DM1 in association with NPH.Case presentationThe patient presented with a history of 3-year of walking instability and cognitive impairment. Her brain MRI showed ventriculomegaly with normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure and the CSF tap-test was positive, which indicated the diagnosis of probable NPH. DM1 was confirmed by genetic testing.ConclusionsFour patients with DM1-NPH association were found before. The association between NPH and DM1 may not be just a coincidence, NPH may occur in DM1 later in life and it is vital to recognize the association as a shunt surgery may improve patients’ quality of life.

Challenges and controversies in endoscopic management of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea

Introduction Endoscopic management of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is considered by many as the ideal approach due to its low morbidity and higher closure rate. However, many challenges and controversies are still reported. Objective The aim was to discuss the challenges of endonasal repair of CSF leaks and controversies regarding the use of intrathecal fluorescein (ITF) and the number of graft layers. Materials and methods This retrospective study included 30 patients who had had endoscopic repair for their CSF rhinorrhea in our institute between July 2015 and June 2017. Fifteen (50%) patients were managed using the two-layer repair without ITF injection (group I), while the remaining were managed using three or more graft layers and ITF (group II). Results The study included 30 patients: 17 (57%) women and 13 (43%) men. Their age ranged from 4 to 68 years with mean ± SD = 38 ± 15.86 years. Eighteen cases presented with spontaneous leaks (nine of them had normal CSF pressure). Four (13.3%) cases had defects in the posterior wall of the frontal sinus while other defects involved the fovea ethmoidalis, lateral lamella, and the cribriform plate of the ethmoid. Success rate was equal in both groups (93%). Conclusion Endoscopic management of CSF rhinorrhea has many challenges including repair in the pediatric population and anatomical areas with difficult accessibility, for example, frontal sinus leaks. It requires good endoscopic visualization and endoscopic instrumentation facilities in addition to experienced surgical hands. Double-layer repair and avoidance of ITF show the same success rate as other more time-consuming strategies with life-threatening complications.

Clinical features of patients with high and normal CSFP in venous pulsating tinnitus

Background: Few doctors associate high cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFP) with vascular tinnitus. On the basis of predecessors, we found there were some differences in clinical data between patients with elevated versus normal CSFP.Aims/objectives: To explore the differences in clinical data between the elevated CSFP group and the normal CSFP group.Materials and methods: A total of 27 patients with venous pulsating tinnitus who underwent measurement of CSFP through IP were reviewed. Clinical data were compared between the two groups.Result: Twelve patients (44.44%) had high CSFP ranging from 210–245 mm H2O. Fifteen cases (55.56%) had normal CSFP ranging from 120–190 mm H2O. Tinnitus disappeared for several hours after IP in 9 patients in thehigh CSFP group but none of the patients in the normal CSFP group, and this difference was significant (p < .001). The mean tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) and visual analog scale (VAS) were 90.33 ± 3.06 and 8.25 ± 0.83, respectively, in the high CSFP group and 83.73 ± 2.81 and 7.73 ± 0.93, respectively, in the normal CSFP group. These differences were statistically significant (p < .001).Conclusion and significance: Patients in the high CSFP group had more severe tinnitus scores. Tinnitus temporarily disappeared after IP in some patients with high CSFP.

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension with Normal Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure.

This is a Letter to the Editor and does not have an abstract.

Are we supererestimating gait assessments of patients with idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus?

IntroductionIdiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a syndrome characterized by a triad composed of cognitive alteration, urinary incontinence, and gait impairment associated with ventricular enlargement and normal cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Gait impairment is among the earliest symptoms; however, the reliability of the evaluation is not well-established and no consensus has been reaching regarding variables that should be analyzed and which parameters should be considered to accurately assess post-intervention improvement. Research questionAre the degree of repeatability, standard error of measurement, and minimum detectable change considered to detect changes in gait variables in iNPH patients? MethodsA total of 84 iNPH patients with a mean age of 77.1 (±6.4) years were analyzed. Gait deviation index (GDI), speed, cadence, cycle time, stride length, single support, and first and second double support were chosen as the variables to be analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed by an independent evaluator, with gait repeatability assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the standard error of measure (SEM). ResultsICC values were 0.76–0.85 with excellent repeatability, while SEM demonstrated that the variables with best repeatability were the GDI (mean, 4.94; 95% confidence interval (CI), 4.63–5.43), representing a 7.65% mean relative error of the measurement (mean, 0.05 m; 95% CI, 0.05–0.06), and stride length (mean 0.05 m; 95% CI, 0.05–0.06), with a 7.69% mean relative error. SignificanceWe concluded that GDI and stride length were the variables with the best repeatability and lower variability in the gait of iNPH patients.

Hidrocefalia de presión normal o síndrome de Hakim y Adams: reporte de dos casos

Introducción: El término hidrocefalia de presión normal se utiliza para describir el síndrome caracterizado por un aumento del tamaño de los ventrículos y una presión normal del líquido cefalorraquídeo. Existen datos epidemiológicos limitados y aunque puede ser diagnosticada a cualquier edad, la hidrocefalia ocurre generalmente entre la sexta y séptima décadas de la vida. Los criterios diagnósticos incluyen 1) más de un síntoma clásico de la tríada clínica, 2) hallazgos magenológicos y 3) medición de presión de líquido cefalorraquídeo. Aunque existen múltiples estrategias de manejo, la cirugía es la alternativa definitiva; la derivación ventrículo-peritoneal (DVP) es efectiva al retirar el líquido cefalorraquídeo de la cavidad. Descripción de casos: En este artículo se presentan dos casos de pacientes que presentaron hidrocefalia de presión normal y evolución prolongada. Además, se documenta la presencia de la triada clínica y la utilidad terapéutica de la derivación ventrículo-peritoneal.

P.007 Familial idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus in a Canadian family

Background: Idiopathic Normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is characterized by cognitive impairment, gait disturbance, enlarged ventricles with/without cerebral atrophy, with/without urinary incontinence, and normal cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Familial iNPH is very rarely described in the literature. A Canadian family with more than one generation of iNPH has never been described. Methods: Patient 1: 50-year-old female presented with wide-based and magnetic gait, multiple falls with subsequent freezing. LP with large volume tap was performed. Patient had ventriculo peritoneal (VP) shunt surgery. Patient 2: 52 year male (brother): Presented with long-standing cognitive impairment and fatigue. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) was performed. Whole exome sequencing(WES) of both siblings as well as an unaffected first cousin was done. The father and grandmother of both patients was diagnosed with iNPH. Results: Patient 1: Opening pressure on LP was 22 cm-H2O. She responded well to large volume tap. She had VP shunt resulting in improved gait. Patient 2: Opening pressure on LP was 16cm-H2O. CSF flow study was slow for age indicative of NPH. MoCA score was 25/30. WES of patients and unaffected first cousin is underway. Conclusions: We present an undescribed Canadian family with iNPH in more than one generation. WES is underway for better understanding of genetic predesposition and inheritance of familial iNPH

Gait in normal pressure hydrocephalus: characteristics and effects of the CSF tap test.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), described by Hakim and Adams in 1965, is characterized by gait apraxia, urinary incontinence, and dementia. It is associated with normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure and ventricular dilation that cannot be attributed to cerebral atrophy. To evaluate gait characteristics in patients with idiopathic NPH and investigate the effect of the CSF tap test (CSF-TT) on gait. Twenty-five patients diagnosed with probable idiopathic NPH were submitted to the CSF-TT. The procedure aimed to achieve changes in gait parameters. Fifteen gait parameters were assessed before and after the CSF-TT. Five showed a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05): walking speed (p < 0.001), cadence (p < 0.001), step length (p < 0.001), en bloc turning (p = 0.001), and step height (p = 0.004). This study demonstrated that gait speed was the most responsive parameter to the CSF-TT, followed by cadence, step length, en bloc turning, and step height.

Image analysis of a case of acquired syphilitic skull osteomyelitis complicated by syphilitic meningitis

A 50-year-old woman presented with intermittent dull pain in the forehead and mild dizziness occasionally after her forehead was subjected to a mild bump accidentally 20 days prior to the presentation, and was diagnosed with angioneurotic headache in a local hospital. After the treatment with oral sibelium tablets, the condition wasn't relieved obviously. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed multiple localized bone destruction and low-density area in the frontal and bilateral parietal bones with adjacent soft tissue swelling. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed equal T1 signals and slightly long T2 signals for multiple nodules in the frontal and bilateral parietal bones, high signals on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), obvious enhancement on contrast-enhanced MRI, and linear enhancement in adjacent meninges. Whole-body bone scintigraphy showed multiple increased radionuclide uptake in the skull. Laboratory examination demonstrated that specific antibodies to Treponema pallidum (Tp) were positive, and the serum rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titer was 1∶128. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination showed normal CSF pressure, nucleated cell counts (8 × 106/L) and glucose level (4.0 mmol/L), slightly high chloride flux (129.1 mmol/L), high protein level (0.9 g/L), high CSF-RPR titer of 1∶16 and presence of specific antibodies to Tp. Histopathological examination revealed hyperemia of adjacent tissues in the cranial osteolytic area, hyperplasia of interstitial fibrous tissue, endothelial cell swelling, and infiltration of inflammatory cells mainly containing plasma cells. The treatment regimen for neurosyphilis was given, and headache was relieved after 1 week of treatment, basically disappeared after 2 weeks, and completely disappeared after 4 weeks, and no similar headache occurred thereafter. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with acquired syphilitic skull osteomyelitis complicated by syphilitic meningitis. Key words: Syphilis; Osteomyelitis; Meningitis; Tomography, X-ray; Magnetic resonance imaging; Whole body imaging

How common is normal cerebrospinal fluid pressure in spontaneous intracranial hypotension?

Objectives To determine the proportion of patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) who had a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure >6 cm H2O and to investigate the clinical and imaging variables associated with CSF pressure ( PCSF) in this condition. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 106 patients with SIH. PCSF was measured by lumbar puncture prior to treatment. Clinical and imaging variables - including demographic data, brain imaging results, symptom duration, and abdominal circumference - were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the correlation of these variables with PCSF. Results Sixty-one percent of patients had a PCSF between 6 and 20 cm H2O; only 34% had a PCSF ≤6 cm H2O. The factors associated with increased PCSF included abdominal circumference ( p < 0.001), symptom duration ( p = 0.015), and the absence of brain magnetic resonance imaging findings of SIH ( p = 0.003). A wide variability in PCSF was observed among all patients, which was not completely accounted for by the variables included in the model. Conclusions Normal CSF pressure is common in patients with SIH; the absence of a low opening pressure should not exclude this condition. Body habitus, symptom duration, and brain imaging are correlated with PCSF measurements, but these factors alone do not entirely explain the wide variability in observed pressures in this condition and this suggests the influence of other factors.

Posaconazole: An Only Oral First-line Antifungal for Rhinocerebral Mucormycosis

ABSTRACT Introduction Mucormycosis is a rare opportunistic invasive fungal infection. The most commonly reported form of the disease is rhinocerebral mucormycosis. Early diagnosis of the disease and aggressive medical and surgical intervention prevent the high morbidity and mortality associated with mucormycosis. Case report A 54-year-old diabetic and hypertensive male presented with severe frontal headache and retro-orbital pain of 4 days duration with high-grade fever. On examination, the patient was conscious and oriented with a blood pressure of 210/100 mm Hg. The pupils were anisocoric. Frontal sinus tenderness was present. Anterior rhinoscopy showed deviation of nasal septum to left without edema and nasal mucosal congestion. Eye examination revealed normal vision without any periorbital swelling and normal fundus. Plain axial computed tomography showed soft-tissue density material in sphenoid sinus with focal hyperdense component anteriorly. Cerebrospinal fluid study was negative for meningitis with a normal cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Axial T1-weighted image showed T1 intermediate to high signal soft tissue occluding the sphenoid sinus. Axial T2-weighted image showed T2 high signal soft tissue occluding the sphenoid sinus. Similar signal tissue was seen in the middle and posterior ethmoid air cells on both sides. Axial and coronal postcontrast T1-weighted fat-saturated images showed heterogeneously enhancing soft tissue in sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses. The patient underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery and tissue sampling, following which antifungal therapy with posaconazole was initiated since biopsy from sinus mucosa was consistent with mucormycosis. The patient responded well to functional endoscopic sinus surgical evacuation of the fungal debris and posaconazole and is doing well on follow-up. Conclusion This report highlights the possibility of occurrence of this rapidly fatal condition even with normal-looking nasal mucosa. High index of suspicion is required to prevent the complications as the course of the disease is very rapid. This case report emphasizes the fact that posaconazole is the only available oral antifungal that can be used as a first-line agent in the management of mucormycosis, even in immunocompromised individuals. How to cite this article Jalal MJA, Fernandez SJ, Thomas RM, Kandathil JC, Menon MK, Kuruttukulam G. Posaconazole: An Only Oral First-line Antifungal for Rhinocerebral Mucormycosis. Clin Rhinol An Int J 2016;9(1):46-49.