Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension: Clinical and Imaging Findings

Abstract

Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension: Clinical and Imaging Findings Scientific BACKGROUND: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a syndrome causing orthostatic headaches due to spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. It is an important cause of a new headache in young and middle-aged individuals. Although SIH is not rare, misdiagnosis is common. Cases: Three middle aged women presented with relatively new orthostatic headache. Pachymeningeal enhancement was seen in their cranial MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Also there were low CSF pressures in 2 of them but it was normal in the third. After the medical treatment, their complaints and the pachymeningeal enhancement resolved. CONCLUSION: Being aware of orthostatic character of a headache and imaging findings of SIH could prevent diagnostic delay and serious consequences

Keywords

• spontaneous intracranial hypotension
• headache
• pachymeningeal enhancement