Original Paper

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Associated with Iron Deficiency Anaemia: A Lesson for Management
S.P. Mollan^a, A.K. Ball^b, A.J. Sinclair^c, S.A. Madill^d, C.E. Clarke^{a, b}, A.S. Jacks^{a, e}, M.A. Burdon^{a, e}, T.D. Matthews<sup>a, e

a</sup>The Birmingham Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre, City Hospital,
^bDepartment of Clinical Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, University of Birmingham, and
^cDivision of Immunity and Infection and Department of Endocrinology, Division of Medical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham,
^dPrincess Alexandra Eye Pavillon, Edinburgh, and
^eOphthalmology Department, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

Address of Corresponding Author

Eur Neurol 2009;62:105-108 (DOI: 10.1159/000222781)

  Key Words

• Iron deficiency anaemia
• Intracranial hypertension
• Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
• Intracranial pressure
• Pseudotumour cerebri

  Abstract

Aim: To document the causal association of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and intracranial hypertension (IH). Methods: A consecutive case note review of patients with a clinical diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and anaemia presenting to a tertiary referral unit over a 2.5-year period. Demographics, aetiology and clinical details were recorded and analysed. Results: Eight cases were identified from 77 new cases presenting with IIH. All 8 had documented microcytic anaemia with clinical evidence of raised intracranial pressure. There was no evidence of venous sinus thrombosis on MRI and MR venography in 7 subjects and on repeated CT venography in 1. On correction of anaemia alone, 7 cases resolved. One patient with severe progressive visual loss underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt in addition to treatment of anaemia, with good outcome. The incidence of this association is 10.3%. Conclusion: These cases present an association between IDA and IH, in the absence of cerebral sinus thrombosis. As a clinically significant proportion of cases presenting with signs of IIH have IDA, we recommend all patients presenting with IIH have full blood counts and if they are found to be anaemic, they should be treated appropriately.

Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

T.D. Matthews
The Birmingham Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit
Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre, City Hospital, Dudley Road
Birmingham, B18 7QH (UK)
Tel. +44 121 554 3801, Fax +44 121 507 6786, E-Mail Tim.Matthews@uhb.nhs.uk

  Article Information

Received: February 5, 2009
Accepted: April 6, 2009
Published online: June 12, 2009
Number of Print Pages : 4
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 1, Number of References : 18