Pseudotumor cerebri: protocolo de tratamiento / Pseudotumor cerebri: treatment protocol

ABSTRACT

Objective: to propose a protocol for the management of patients with pseudotumor cerebri, including medical, ophthalmic, and surgical evaluation, describing the complications associated with the latter and its evolution.Materials and methods: we analyzed our database between 2006 and 2011, determining how many patients who had consulted for pseudotumor cerebri required surgical treatment. We analized how many lumbar punctures (LP) they needed, which was the alternative medical treatment that was applied and what factors led to a surgical procedure. Based on these results, we structured a protocol for the management of these patients at our institution. Results: between 2006 and 2011, 115 patients were diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri, of whom 11 (10%) required surgical treatment. Regarding medical treatment, acetazolamide and corticosteroids were administered, and up to 10 lumbar punctures were performed, before defining a surgical procedure. Conclusion: pseudotumor cerebri is an entity with a variable and unpredictable response to treatment. It´s essential to follow a protocol for management it. Also it is very important to note that cases unresponsive to medical treatment should be surgically treated to avoid amaurosis, the most severe complication of this disease.