[Sinus thrombosis and idiopathic intracerebral hypertension: Thrombophilia and hormonal influence as potentially relevant causal connections].

BACKGROUND

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and idiopathic intracerebral hypertension (IIH) can lead to impaired vision, which is why the suspected diagnosis is often initially made by an ophthalmologist.

PROBLEM AND AIMS: This study aimed at discovering common features between the two underlying conditions and provide ophthalmologists with concrete measures for differential diagnosis and for the management of affected patients based on these similarities.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

This article presents detailed profiles of the underlying conditions and compares the two, focusing on similarities with respect to risk factors.

RESULTS

The following common risk factor profiles of the two underlying conditions could be determined: (1) women before menopause, (2) administration of female hormones and (3) thrombophilia.

DISCUSSION: Based on these findings at least a partial overlap of both pathophysiologies is suspected. In particular, undiagnosed cerebral thrombosis or microthrombosis can cause IIH. This mechanism could explain the typical thrombophilic risk profile of IIH, which is analogous to that of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, including the well-established interaction of estrogens and thrombophilic risk factors.