Peng Yong Sim1, Priyal Taribagil2, Ione O C Woollacott3, Safina Rashid4, Desmond P Kidd4,3. 1. Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK. pengyong91@gmail.com. 2. University College London Medical School, London, UK. 3. Department of Neurology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK. 4. Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The presentation of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in association with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is rare. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report depicts the unusual case of a 31-year-old woman of mixed Jamaican and English heritage with IIH who presented initially as IDA in the context of menorrhagia. Subsequent ophthalmic review, lumbar puncture, cerebrospinal fluid analysis and neuroimaging studies revealed severe bilateral optic disc swelling and raised intracranial pressure in keeping with IIH. Prompt treatment of IDA with blood transfusion and orally administered iron supplements, in addition to medical treatment for IIH, contributed to significant improvement of symptoms and prevented long-term visual deficits. CONCLUSION: The possibility of IDA, albeit rare, should always be considered and investigated appropriately in all patients with IIH, as the treatment of the anemia alone may be sight-saving.
BACKGROUND: The presentation of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in association with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is rare. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report depicts the unusual case of a 31-year-old woman of mixed Jamaican and English heritage with IIH who presented initially as IDA in the context of menorrhagia. Subsequent ophthalmic review, lumbar puncture, cerebrospinal fluid analysis and neuroimaging studies revealed severe bilateral optic disc swelling and raised intracranial pressure in keeping with IIH. Prompt treatment of IDA with blood transfusion and orally administered iron supplements, in addition to medical treatment for IIH, contributed to significant improvement of symptoms and prevented long-term visual deficits. CONCLUSION: The possibility of IDA, albeit rare, should always be considered and investigated appropriately in all patients with IIH, as the treatment of the anemia alone may be sight-saving.
Entities:
Keywords:
Case report; Idiopathic intracranial hypertension; Iron deficiency anemia; Optic neuropathy; Papilledema; Vision loss
Authors: Eva Bridget Forman; James Joseph O'Byrne; Louise Capra; Elizabeth McElnea; Mary D King Journal: Arch Dis Child Date: 2013-02-14 Impact factor: 3.791