Intracranial Hypertension in a Patient with a Chiari Malformation Accompanied by Hyperthyroidism.
10.14245/kjs.2015.12.3.150
- Author:
Chang Hwan PANG
1
;
Soo Eon LEE
;
Chi Heon KIM
;
Chun Kee CHUNG
Author Information
1. Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. leesea8081@hanmail.net
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Intracranial hypertension;
Chiari malformation;
Hyperthyroidism;
Headach
- MeSH:
Ambulatory Care Facilities;
Biomarkers;
Brain;
Cerebellum;
Decompression;
Encephalocele;
Female;
Foramen Magnum;
Graves Disease;
Headache;
Humans;
Hydrocephalus;
Hyperthyroidism*;
Intracranial Hypertension*;
Intracranial Pressure;
Nausea;
Physical Examination;
Syringomyelia;
Thyroid Gland;
Unnecessary Procedures;
Vomiting
- From:Korean Journal of Spine
2015;12(3):150-152
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The Chiari malformation is an infrequently detected congenital anomaly characterized by the downward displacement of the cerebellum with a tonsillar herniation below the foramen magnum that may be accompanied by either syringomyelia or hydrocephalus. Surgery, such as foramen magnum decompression, is indicated for a symptomatic Chiari malformation, although an incidental lesion may be followed-up without further treatment. Infrequently, increased intracranial pressure emerges due to hyperthyroidism. A nineteen-year-old girl visited our outpatient clinic presented with a headache, nausea and vomiting. A brain and spinal magnetic resonance image study (MRI) indicated that the patient had a Chiari I malformation without syringomyelia or hydrocephalus. An enlarged thyroid gland was detected on a physical examination, and serum markers indicated Graves' disease. The patient started anti-hyperthyroid medical treatment. Subsequently, the headache disappeared after the medical treatment of hyperthyroidism without surgical intervention for the Chiari malformation. A symptomatic Chiari malformation is indicated for surgery, but a surgeon should investigate other potential causes of the symptoms of the Chiari malformation to avoid unnecessary surgery.
