Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a disorder characterized by elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) that predominantly affects young obese women. IIH is a diagnosis of exclusion. That is, if increased ICP is suspected, magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance venography of the brain are recommended to exclude secondary causes. Imaging findings, such as empty sella, orbital findings, meningocele, and encephalocele, are not diagnostic of ICP, nor does their absence exclude ICP either. Therefore, venous manometry is recommended as the gold standard for evaluation, regardless of previous anatomic imaging results. Venous manometry is an invasive examination that is frequently applied to derive physiologic information concerning the nature of the pressure gradient. However, the pathogenesis of IIH has not been fully elucidated. The presence of venous sinus stenosis in a subset of patients has provided some support for the potential mechanisms underlying this condition. Hence, this review provides an up‐to‐date discussion on the potential pathogenic mechanisms of IIH with a special focus on venous sinus stenosis.Level of Evidence1Technical Efficacy Stage2
Spontaneous internal carotid artery dissection (ICAD) is a rare disease and an important cause of stroke in young patients. The presentation of ICAD is variable and atypical. We have used three-dimensional T1-weighted volume isotropic turbo spin-echo acquisition to help diagnose ICAD. ICAD should be considered in young patients presenting with relevant symptoms in an emergency setting. We herein report ICAD with an unexplained onset in two patients. Neither had a history of large or small cervical trauma, but both had a history of hypertension. The first patient was a 33-year-old man who presented with upper extremity numbness and mobility impairment, and the second patient was a 40-year-old man with onset of visual impairment. There were no obvious triggers in either case. Both patients were diagnosed with ICAD by blood vessel examination. However, their prognoses differed. The first patient recovered after endovascular therapy, whereas the second patient was successfully managed with medical treatment. ICAD can cause different symptoms depending on where the dissection occurs. Clinicians must be aware of the different clinical manifestations of ICAD, make the correct diagnosis in a timely manner, make appropriate treatment plans according to the patient’s condition, and strive for timely recanalization of the blood vessels.
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