Idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis

Idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis is a rare form of fibrosing chronic inflammatory process of unknown etiology, which causes thickening of the intracranial dura mater. We present four patients with hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis who presented with chronic headache and cranial nerve palsies. The diagnosis of idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis was based on neuroimaging findings of thickened enhancing dura, exclusion of known causes and histopathologic findings compatible with nonspecific inflammation in the meningeal biopsies. Corticosteroid therapy was effective in all cases in inducing a complete or partial remission of the neurologic symptoms and signs. We describe the clinical, radiological and pathological features of idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis and discuss the relationship of this entity with other inflammatory fibrosclerotic disorders to explain the pathogenesis. A high index of suspicion, prompt confirmation of the diagnosis by meningeal biopsy, and early institution and long-term maintenance of steroid therapy may help to prevent irreversible neurologic sequelae, especially blindness.     

Uncommon findings in idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis

Abstract.Background: Idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis (IHCP) is a rare, poorly understood, inflammatory disease, usually involving the dura mater of skull base, tentorium, and falx, and presenting with headache, progressive cranial nerve palsies, and cerebellar dysfunction.Patients and Methods: In four patients, the diagnosis of IHCP has been made on the basis of extensive clinical, and radiological investigation, and confirmed by dural biopsy in three patients. The clinical follow-up ranges from 24 to 120 months.Results : At diagnosis, all the patients complained of severe, progressively increasing headache, two had simple or complex partial seizures, but none had cranial nerve palsies. Two patients had electrophysiological evidence of axonal peripheral neuropathy, biopsy-proved in one of them. In all the patients, MRI showed linear or focal thickening of the dura mater of the tentorium and/or of the convexity, sparing the skull base. In one patient, MRI findings resembled chronic subdural hematoma. Dural biopsy demonstrated fibrosis and prominent CD4+ T-cells inflammatory infiltrate. Pachymeningitis was highly responsive to steroid therapy, as was the peripheral neuropathy. In three patients, temporary steroids withdrawal led to dramatic clinical worsening including status epilepticus in one.Conclusions : In the patients here reported, absence of cranial nerve impairment, seizures, MRI findings resembling chronic subdural hematoma, and association with polineuropathy were unusual findings of IHCP. Moreover, the type of inflammatory infiltrate, lacking in previous reported cases, suggests a probable pathogenetic role for cell-mediated immunity of unknown origin.     

Idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis

Idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis is a rare disorder of unknown origin. It is a fibrosing inflammatory process that involves the dura mater. Herein are described 14 patients with idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis; their clinical, laboratory and radiological findings, as well as their treatment, are analyzed. Neuropathological findings of six cases including two autopsied cases are also presented. The main clinical features were headache and cranial nerve palsies. Many patients had mild to moderate elevation of C‐reactive protein, and three patients had perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody. The CSF in most cases showed inflammatory changes. Neuroimaging studies revealed diffuse or localized thickening of the dura, and MRI findings were key to diagnosis of this disorder. The clinical course was chronic. All patients were treated with corticosteroid and improved intially, but half of them experienced relapses. Two patients received surgical intervention. Pathological examination in two autopsied cases revealed diffuse thickening of the dura, especially in the posterior part of the falx cerebri and the tentorium cerebelli. Microscopic examination of the dura showed dense fibrosis with inflammatory cell infiltration composed mainly of lymphocytes. The cell infiltration was marked at the surface of the dura mater. One case had necrotizing vasculitis of the small arteries located in the dura and the cerebral surface. There were no giant cells, caseation necrosis, or epitheloid granuloma. Four patients underwent biopsy of the dura, and the pathological study showed non‐specific inflammatory changes. The relationship of idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis with connective tissue disease or vasculitis syndrome is discussed.     

肥厚性硬膜炎的临床与影像学特点分析

目的总结分析肥厚性硬膜炎的临床特点及影像学特征。方法回顾性分析2005年11月~2012年8月来收治的肥厚性硬膜炎10例临床资料。结果 10例患者中7例为HCP(hypertrophic cranial pachymeningtitis,肥厚性硬脑膜炎),1例为HSP(hypertrophic spinal pachymeningtitis,肥厚性硬脊膜炎),2例为HP(hypertrophic pachymeningitis,肥厚性硬膜炎)。男性7例、女性3例,年龄40~78岁,均为慢性起病,1例伴有系统性血管炎,1例患者20 y前曾行额窦骨瘤清除术,2例伴有双侧乳突、中耳炎,1例伴双侧乳突炎及上颌窦炎。7例HCP与2例HP患者均有头痛,其中2例伴有发热、1例患者出现抽搐、7例伴有脑神经受累、1例患者有共济失调;该例HSP患者症状为双下肢麻木无力,二便急,性功能下降。对9例患者行腰穿检查,其中蛋白增高者6例,细胞数增高者4例。对7例HCP与2例HP患者行颅脑与颈髓MRI平扫+增强检查,均见硬脑膜强化,小脑幕、大脑镰、颅底、颞部、鞍上池、小脑蚓等部位均可受累,其中以大脑镰、小脑幕强化最为明显,2例并存颈椎管内硬脊膜增厚强化,1例HSP行腰椎增强MRI,可见L5-S1硬脊膜增厚强化。对7例HCP与2例HP患者给予激素治疗1 w后头痛与脑神经麻痹症状明显好转,1例HSP患者接受激素治疗后脊髓受压症状及尿便障碍稍有好转。结论 HCP与HP患者主要表现为头痛及脑神经麻痹,HSP患者主要表现为神经根痛及脊髓受压症状。头部及脊髓MRI检查具有特征性,激素治疗临床效果满意。     

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis in a patient with Takayasu arteritis: One more association?

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP) is a rare chronic inflammatory disease of the dura mater, described in association with various infections, systemic vasculitides such as Wegener''s granulomatosis and giant cell arteritis. However, HP in association with Takayasu arteritis (TA) has not been described. We report a young woman who presented with headache, seizures, and right third and fourth cranial neuropathy. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed HP in bifrontal and right temporal region extending to cavernous sinus. She was also found to have systemic hypertension, stenosis of left subclavian, and left renal artery with narrowing of abdominal aorta, satisfying the diagnostic criteria for TA. A detailed evaluation for secondary causes of HP failed to reveal an alternative etiology. This report describes an unusual association of HP in a patient with TA, also emphasizing that seizures and cranial neuropathy may further expand the spectrum of neurological manifestations in patients with TA.     

Clinical usefulness of thallium-201 single-photon emission CT in the patient with hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis]

We report a 54-year-old female with rheumatoid factor-positive hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis. At age of 51 years she developed headache, hearing loss, right vagal nerve palsy, and right accessory nerve palsy. MRI revealed thickening and gadolinium-enhancement of the cranial dura mater. The initial symptoms significantly improved with corticosteroid therapy. Two years later, she presented with severe headache and neck pain. Although gadolinium-enhanced MR images failed to show any change compared with those before recurrence, 201Tl single-photon emission CT (SPECT) showed a remarkable accumulation of thallium-201 in the dura mater. Furthermore, the abnormal uptake of thallium-201 returned to normal after treatment with corticosteroid. 201T1-SPECT was a useful tool for the evaluation of disease activity in the patient with hypertrophic pachymeningitis.     

Idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis: Clinical,laboratory and neuroradiologic features in China

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis is a rare chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by marked fibrous thickening of the cerebral and/or spinal dura mater. Clinical, laboratory, neuroradiologic and therapeutic data from 12 patients with idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis (IHP) from our department were retrospectively studied. There were four men and eight women with a mean age of 49 ± 15.3 years, and more than half of the patients (58%) were aged 40–60 years. Headache was the most common symptom, occurring in 92% of patients. Headache improved markedly and rapidly after glucocorticoid treatment. Optic nerve involvement was noted in seven patients (58%). C-reactive protein levels increased in 80% and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate increased in 71% of patients. Three patients were positive for autoantibodies, including antinuclear antibodies (ANA), perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (p-ANCA), anti-cardiolipin antibodies (ACA) and rheumatoid factor (RF). Cerebrospinal fluid showed inflammatory changes, and protein levels were low to moderately elevated. MRI revealed a thickened dura in all patients, and five patients (42%) were diagnosed with sinus stenosis/occlusion. IHP is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the dura with three groups of symptoms, namely headache, cranial nerve palsy and symptoms due to sinus stenosis/occlusion. However, IHP has different features in China in that it predominantly affects women and the age of onset is younger. Sinus stenosis/occlusion is relatively common in IHP patients in China.     

Focal cranial nerve involvement in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: clinical and MRI evidence of peripheral and central lesions

Summary Five cases of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy are described in which cranial nerve involvement accompanied a more generalized neuropathy. Clinical, electrophysiological, radiological and nerve biopsy findings are presented. Cranial nerve lesions in this form of polyneuropathy may be related to lesions of the peripheral nerves or of the central nervous system, when they may be accompanied by MRI evidence of more widespread CNS demyelinating lesions. In cases of early onset, the occurrence of focal cranial nerve lesions may serve to distinguish chronic inflammatory from inherited demyelinating polyneuropathies.     

特发性肥厚性硬脑膜炎临床、实验室检查及影像学特点分析

目的分析6例特发性肥厚性硬脑膜炎(IHP)患者的临床特点及辅助检查特征。以提高对特发性肥厚性硬脑膜炎的认识。方法回顾性分析并总结2014年1月至2017年11月在河南省人民医院神经内科就诊的6例临床诊断为特发性肥厚性硬脑膜炎(IHP)患者的临床、实验室检查结果及影像学特点。结果 6例患者主要临床表现为头痛、颅神经受累、癫痫、精神行为异常和共济失调。实验室检查血沉(ESR)、C反应蛋白(CRP)及脑脊液细胞和蛋白等炎性指标增高。磁共振影像表现为对称或不对称的硬脑膜T1加权等和(或)低信号,T2加权低信号,增强有强化。所有患者均给予激素冲击治疗,预后良好。结论 IHP以头痛及颅神经受累为主要表现,实验室检查炎性指标的升高及影像学硬脑膜增厚强化均有助于临床医师诊断及识别本病。     

A case of inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy associated with T-cell lymphoma

Malignant lymphoma may present prominent peripheral nervous system disorders with variable etiologies. We describe a patient who presented with chronic relapsing polyradiculoneuropathy accompanied by right facial nerve palsy. Gadolinium enhancement of the right facial nerve and cervical spinal roots was noted on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Sural nerve biopsy specimens showed mononuclear cell infiltration around the vessels in the epineurium. Histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations of sural nerve specimens revealed perivascular infiltration of lymphocytes with T-cell dominancy. No apparent direct invasion of lymphoma cells was seen. The results of nerve conduction studies, sural nerve biopsy and cerebrospinal fluid examination were suggestive of immune-mediated inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy. The chronic and relapsing fashion and unique radiological findings in our patient expand on the previously reported features of peripheral neuropathy associated with peripheral T-cell lymphoma.     

A case of hypertrophic cranial pachcymeningitis in a patient with lymphocytic hypophysitis]

We report a 67-year-old man of lymphocytic hypophysitis complicated by hypertrophic cranial pachcymeningitis. The hypophysitis presenting with central diabetes insipidus caused isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency after three years and two months since the onset of his illness. Moreover he suffered from left cavernous sinus syndrome after four years. Brain gadolinium (Gd) enhanced MRI, which was obtained in 2001, showed only enhancement of the pituitary stalk. However, brain Gd enhanced MRI, performed four years later, showed not only a remarkable thickening and enhancement of the pituitary stalk but also abnormal enhancement of the lesion in the left cavernous sinus. In addition, it showed diffuse thickening and enhancement of the dura mater. This clinical course suggested that chronic inflammation of the pituitary had spread to the dura mater, a clinical condition differing from parasellar chronic inflammatory disease (PSCID). In addition, because diffuse thickening and enhancement of the dura mater was present, it was likely that lymphocytic hypophysitis was complicated by hypertrophic cranial pachcymeningitis due to autoimmune reactions. We should carefully observe cases of lymphocytic hypophysitis and assess change over time in the dura mater of the whole brain by Gd enhanced MRI.     

Tolosa-Hunt syndrome preceded by facial palsy in a child

We report on a previously healthy 11-year-old boy with unilateral periorbital mild headache and facial nerve palsy, followed during the next 5 months by recurrent unilateral headaches and subsequent extrinsic paresis of the third cranial nerve and paresis of the sixth cranial nerve, each of which improved with steroids. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed increased thickening of the left cavernous sinus and adjacent structures, with marked gadolinium enhancement. Eight months after the initial signs, he developed left retro-orbital headache that lasted 16 days and was relieved 24 hours after resuming steroid treatment. Recurrent multiple cranial neuropathies, neuroimaging findings, and long-lasting headache that responded to steroids indicated Tolosa-Hunt syndrome, further confirmed by extensive investigation and a long follow-up to exclude other causes. This patient illustrates the complexity of disorders with multiple cranial nerve palsies, and adds to the sparse literature on Tolosa-Hunt syndrome in children, describing the first pediatric case preceded by facial palsy.     

Two cases of hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis associated with infection in the external auditory canal and paranasal sinus]

We here present two cases of hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis exhibiting unique multiple cranial neuropathies, both of which were associated with otic and paranasal infections. Case 1: A 76-year-old woman developed headache after undergoing surgical dilatation of the external auditory canal, with subsequent development of a bacterial infection. Neurological examination reveled only bilateral hearing disturbance. MRI and CT scans demonstrated thickening of the dura mater and inflammatory granulation around the left cerebellar tentorium. Based on a diagnosis of hypertrophic pachymeningitis associated with previous infection, antibiotics were administered, followed by oral prednisolone therapy. This treatment relieved the headache and improved the MRI findings. However, 2 months later, the headache became worse and impaired movement of the soft palate, atrophy of the left side of the tongue, and atrophy of the sternocleidomastoideus muscle were noted. MRI revealed aggravated inflammatory changes around the left cerebellar tentorium and their expansion into the jugular foramen. Occlusive changes in the transverse and sigmoid sinuses were also seen. Case 2: A 78-year-old man developed bilateral visual loss, right frontal headache, and bilateral restriction of eye movement. He had been treated for phemphigus with prednisolone and azathioprine. MRI showed hypertrophic dura mater spreading continuously from the frontal base and ethmoid and frontal sinuses to the falx and right frontal lobe. Since Pseudomonas aeruginosa was cultivated in biopsy specimens from the dura mater, antibiotic agents were administered. The clinical symptoms resolved and MRI findings gradually improved.     

肥厚性硬脑膜炎的临床、影像学及病理学特征(附1例报告)

目的 探讨肥厚性硬脑膜炎患者的临床、影像学及病理学特征.方法 回顾性分析1例此病患者的临床资料.结果 本例患者临床表现为头痛、双眼视力下降、眼球运动障碍、面神经瘫痪及声音嘶哑等;头部MRI示硬脑膜异常强化灶,以大脑镰、小脑幕等处为主;硬脑膜病理检查可见有慢性炎症改变,有多量浆细胞浸润,纤维组织浸润、增生、玻璃样变性,肉芽肿形成.皮质类固醇激素治疗后疗效显著.结论 肥厚性硬脑膜炎以头痛和多脑神经受累为主要临床表现;MRI可见特征性的硬脑膜强化改变;病理学检查有硬脑膜慢性炎症改变,是确诊的主要依据.     

A case of hypertrophic pachymeningitis, resolved by antimicrobial therapy]

A 65-year-old woman with diabetes mellitus and chronic otitis media developed headache, fever, and hoarseness, all of which did not responded to the oral antibiotics. As stiff neck and lower cranial nerve palsies appeared, bacterial meningitis was suspected. Neurological examination revealed the right hearing disturbance, right recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, left sternocleidomastoid muscle atrophy and bilateral tongue atrophy. The CSF examination revealed mild pleocytosis and elevated protein, but no bacterial organism was cultured from the CSF. CT scans showed bilateral mastoiditis, and the right mastoid process and a posterior part of the petrous bone were eroded, indicating the exposed bony structures to the posterior fossa. MRI scans demonstrated the thickening of the dura mater of the posterior fossa and the right cerebellar tentorium. This is a rare example of bacterial pachymeningitis of the posterior fossa, the clinical symptoms and MRI findings of which resolved solely by antimicrobial agents without corticosteroid.     

A case of chronic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis causing cranial polyneuropathy and unilateral central retinal vein occlusion]

We presented a 70-year-old woman who developed unilateral visual loss due to central retinal vein occlusion caused by chronic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis. She had developed right blindness with optic atrophy due to chronic intracranial pachymeningitis one year before admission. In June 1999, she noticed visual loss of the left eye. On admission, neurological examination revealed left visual loss and sensory impairment in the first branch area of bilateral trigeminal nerves. Ophthalmological examination revealed central retinal vein occlusion of the left eye. Brain MRI showed dural thickening with gadolinium enhancement of the cavernous sinus near the left optic nerve and dilatation of the left supraorbital vein. There was no compression of the left optic nerve. We suggest that central retinal vein occlusion may be caused by compression of the supraorbital vein by dural thickening. This is the first case report of central retinal vein occlusion associated with chronic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis.     

肥厚性硬脑膜炎的临床、病理和影像学特点 (附1例报告)

目的 研究肥厚性硬脑膜炎(hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis,HCP)的临床表现、病理和MRI特征.方法 对1例HCP患者的临床、病理和MRI检查资料进行回顾性分析并总结其特点.结果 HCP多慢性起病,临床以头痛和多颅神经麻痹为主要表现.MRI可见受累硬脑膜T1相呈等或略低信号,T2相呈高信号,增强扫描后增厚的硬脑膜明显均匀强化,硬脑膜病理检查可见纤维组织内炎症细胞浸润.激素治疗有效,MRI复查硬脑膜变薄,累及范围缩小,强化减轻.结论 HCP以头痛、多脑神经受累为主要临床表现.MRI扫描可见特征性的硬脑膜强化改变.病理学检查是确诊依据.     

Idiopathic Hypertrophic Cranial Pachymeningitis Misdiagnosed as Acute Subtentorial Hematoma

A case of idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis (IHCP) misdiagnosed as an acute subdural hematoma is reported. A 37-year-old male patient presented with headache following head trauma 2 weeks earlier. Computerized tomography showed a diffuse high-density lesion along the left tentorium and falx cerebri. Initial chest X-rays revealed a small mass in the right upper lobe with right lower pleural thickening, which suggested lung cancer, such as an adenoma or mediastinal metastasis. During conservative treatment under the diagnosis of a subdural hematoma, left cranial nerve palsies were developed (3rd and 6th), followed by scleritis and uveitis involving both eyes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an unusual tentorium-falx enhancement on gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images. Non-specific chronic inflammation of the pachymeninges was noticed on histopathologic examination following an open biopsy. Systemic steroid treatment was initiated, resulting in dramatic improvement of symptoms. A follow-up brain MRI showed total resolution of the lesion 2 months after steroid treatment. IHCP should be included in the differential diagnosis of subtentorial-enhancing lesions.     

Optic neuropathy associated with spontaneous intracranial hypotension

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is characterized by postural headache that is generally associated with neck and/or back pain, radicular symptoms, nausea, and vomiting, and can sometimes be accompanied by cranial nerve symptoms. Although ocular manifestations are common, visual impairment due to optic nerve involvement is not commonly reported. Here, we report a case of a 34-year-old woman with postural headache and visual loss in the left eye associated with spontaneous intracranial hypotension. The orbital magnetic resonance imaging revealed increased intensity on T2-weighted images and on the pathologic contrast enhancement of the left optic nerve. Radionuclide cisternography showed bilateral cerebrospinal fluid leakage at the top of the thoracic region. To our knowledge, this is the first report documenting an association between optic neuropathy and spontaneous intracranial hypotension.