Background: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is characterized by an elevated intracranial pressure without any identifiable causative factor such as an intracranial mass. Dural venous sinus stenosis (DVSS) has been suggested to be associated with IIH. Objective: We performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to determine clinical outcomes as well as stent survival and stent-adjacent stenosis rates in patients undergoing DVSS for the management of medically refractory IIH. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases to identify prospective or retrospective cohorts or case series of patients with IIH treated with DVSS between 2000 and 2017. Results: A total of 473 patients were included from 24 studies. Headache was present in 429 (91.8%) patients and resolved or improved in 319/413 (77.2%) after the procedure. Headache, papilledema, visual acuity, and tinnitus improved in 256/330 (77.6%), 247/288 (85.8%), 121/172 (70.3%), and 93/110 (84.5%) patients following DVSS at the final follow-up (mean of 18.3 months). In a meta-analysis of 395 patients with available follow-up data on stenting outcome (mean of 18.9 months), the stent survival and stent-adjacent stenosis rates were 84% (95% confidence interval [CI] 79–87%) and 14% (95% CI 11–18%), respectively. The rate of major neurological complications was less than 2%. Conclusion: Stent-adjacent stenosis is an important complication following venous stenting in patients with DVSS and IIH. Further studies are needed to identify determinants of stent-adjacent stenosis and stent nonsurvival.
Case seriesPatient: Male, 52 • Female, 68Final Diagnosis: VBDSymptoms: OphthalmoplegiaMedication: —Clinical Procedure: —Specialty: NeurologyObjective:Unusual clinical courseBackground:Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD) is a complex progressive arterial disease characterized by dilation, elongation, and tortuosity of the vertebral and basilar arteries, and may be congenital or acquired. VBD may lead to progressive compression of the brainstem, cranial nerve abnormalities, and intracranial hemorrhage, but may also be associated with arterial thrombosis, with ischemic stroke as the most common clinical outcome.Case Report:Two cases of VBD are presented, both with acute bilateral ophthalmoplegia and cranial nerve palsies, and vertebrobasilar arterial thrombosis that resulted in ischemic stroke.Conclusions:VBD is a complex arterial disease with a variety of clinical manifestation, with bilateral ophthalmoplegia being a rare presentation. Clinical management of VBD is a challenge as there are no current management guidelines. Therefore, clinical management of cases of VBD should be individualized to balance the risks and benefits of treatment options for each patient.
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