A case of benign intracranial hypertension with a defect of left transverse sinus demonstrated by intravenous digital subtraction angiography

Abstract

A 31 year-old man had intermittent headache for a week before admission. Because of the progressive headache and altered level of consciousness, he was brought to our hospital. On admission he was already alert, and no neurologic deficits could be elicited. CT scan of the brain showed no remarkable change except slight brain edema and no neoplasmas nor other space occupying lesions could be seen. The lumbar puncture showed intracranial hypertension. Intravenous digital subtraction angiography (DSA) demonstrated a defect of the left transverse sinus. No other apparent causes of the intracranial hypertension could be found. In this case, the intracranial hypertension was thought to be due to left transverse sinus thrombosis. In cases of an unexplained headaches, benign intracranial hypertension should be considered and intravenous DSA is an expedient, accurate and safe procedure for demonstrating intracranial venous lesion.