Clinical and radiological findings suggesting disorders other than tolosa-hunt syndrome among ophthalmoplegic patients: a retrospective analysis

Review of Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome, Recent Updates

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We aim to present diagnostic considerations and management insights on Tolosa-Hunt syndrome. We highlight recent controversies in this field and emerging literature.

RECENT FINDINGS

The diagnostic categorization of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome remains controversial, with imaging negative cases described in the literature and an increasing literature of secondary causes falsely diagnosed as Tolosa-Hunt syndrome. Response to steroids can fulfill diagnostic criteria, but newer management strategies are available in treatment-resistant patients, such as steroid-sparing agents or radiotherapy. Tolosa-Hunt syndrome has become controversial; the entity of granulomatous inflammation of the cavernous sinus and possible extension into orbital fissure and posterior orbit of late has been re-evaluated. Recent case series and reviews have outlined multiple false positive (neoplasm or infection) and negative (no imaging findings) diagnoses. In the future, when assessing whether a patient has this entity, we caution readers to closely follow patients for secondary causes and consider this entity in differential even if MRI is non-revealing. Additionally, biopsy should be regarded as a gold standard for diagnosis and utilized, especially in uncertain cases. The diagnostic categorization of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome may need reconsideration in future versions of the ICHD.

A case report on recurrent alternating Tolosa-Hunt syndrome due to bacterial sphenoid sinusitis: rediscussing the diagnostic terminology and classification

BACKGROUND

Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS) is characterized by painful ophthalmoplegia caused by idiopathic granulomatous inflammation involving the cavernous sinus region. Patients respond well to steroid therapy. THS is included in the differential diagnosis of cavernous sinus syndrome, so it is important to fully exclude other lesions in this area before treatment, otherwise steroid treatment may lead to fatal outcomes. Here we describe a patient who initially presented with symptoms that simulated THS symptoms and developed recurrent alternating painful ophthalmoplegia during follow-up, and the patient was finally diagnosed with cavernous sinusitis caused by bacterial sphenoid sinusitis.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 34-year-old woman presented with left painful ophthalmoplegia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed abnormal signals in the left cavernous sinus area, and these abnormal signals were suspected to be THS. After steroid treatment, the patient obtained pain relief and had complete recovery of her ophthalmoplegia. However, right painful ophthalmoplegia appeared during the follow-up period. MRI showed obvious inflammatory signals in the right cavernous sinus and right sphenoid sinus. Then nasal sinus puncture and aspiration culture were performed, and the results showed a coagulase-negative staphylococcus infection. After antibiotic treatment with vancomycin, the painful ophthalmoplegia completely resolved, and the neurological examination and MRI returned to normal.

CONCLUSION

Some other causes of painful ophthalmoplegia also fulfill the diagnostic criteria for THS in the International Classification of Headache Disorders third edition (ICHD-3) and respond well to steroid therapy. Early diagnosis of THS may be harmful to patients, and clinicians should exercise great caution when dealing with similar cases without a biopsy. Using "cavernous sinus syndrome" instead of "Tolosa-Hunt syndrome" as a diagnostic category may provide a better clinical thinking for etiological diagnosis.

Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome and IgG4 Diseases in Neuro-Ophthalmology

Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS) remains a challenging diagnosis for many neurologists. Often believed to be a rare presentation, the classical presentation is known to involve cranial nerves and tissues surrounding the cavernous sinus. Traditionally, a diagnosis of THS is considered when all secondary conditions have been ruled out. Yet, newer findings have elaborated a complex pathogenetic process with some overlap from the IgG4 spectrum of disorders, with which it shares many phenotypic similarities. In this narrative review, we present an updated picture of the condition focusing on the latest developments in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and clinical management of these two conditions and use illustrative examples to highlight the salient features of this rare presentation.

Painful ophthalmoplegia syndrome, beyond Tolosa-Hunt syndrome. A case series

Painful ophthalmoplegia syndrome is characterised by the presence of peri-orbital or peri-cranial pain that is accompanied by paralysis of the oculomotor nerves. The differential diagnosis is broad, and requires a rigorous study. Three clinical cases of patients with painful ophthalmoplegia syndrome are described, in which multiple extension studies were required to obtain an aetiological diagnosis. Painful ophthalmoplegia syndrome is a complex disorder that has multiple causes, including infections, inflammatory, and tumour processes. Biopsy should be considered in those cases in which non-invasive studies are inconclusive.

Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome: A Review of Diagnostic Criteria and Unresolved Issues

Purpose:

To review the diagnostic criteria for Tolosa–Hunt syndrome (THS) and utility of recent modifications.

Methods:

We searched PubMed for keywords Tolosa Hunt and magnetic resonance imaging. We compared the three editions of International Classification of Headache Disorders and isolated case reports and case series with the assessment of cavernous internal carotid artery (ICA) caliber to find the prevalence of vascular anomalies. We also evaluated cases of THS with the involvement of extracavernous structures and the possible role of idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP). Cases diagnosed falsely as THS were also reviewed for the presence of atypical features and relevance of criterion D. We assessed nonconforming cases (those with normal neuroimaging benign THS) and idiopathic inflammatory orbital pseudotumor (IIPO).

Results:

Vascular abnormalities were found in 36.36% of THS cases. Benign THS may also show changes in ICA caliber. Evidence suggestive of idiopathic HP could be found in 57% of cases with the involvement of extracavernous structures, such as facial nerve and pituitary gland. Both THS and IIPO are steroid-responsive pathologies with similar clinical and radiological features. False-positive diagnosis of THS results from early labeling, based solely on clinical features and symptom resolution after steroid therapy.

Conclusions:

Benign THS may be a result of limitation of resolution of available neuroimaging technique or early testing. Early and late vascular changes can be seen in both THS and its benign variant; some of them are not innocuous. THS may be considered a type of focal idiopathic HP. IIPO may represent an anterior variant of THS. In the absence of histopathological diagnosis, steroid-induced resolution of symptoms should be confirmed radiologically and followed-up.

The demographics of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome in Qatar

Background

Tolosa Hunt syndrome (THS) is a rare disease that manifests mainly as painful unilateral ophthalmoplegia. It is caused by an inflammatory process of unknown aetiology within the cavernous sinus with a rare intracranial extension. The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD)- 3 diagnostic criteria aids in its diagnosis. There is limited literature on its varied presentations, diagnosis, and management. Steroids are used in the treatment of THS with varied success.

Methods

We conducted a single-center-retrospective-study and included all patients admitted with a diagnosis of THS from January 2015 to December 2020. Descriptive and summary statistics were used to describe the study cohort's socio-demographic parameters.

Results

Among 31 THS patients (predominantly Asians (18) and Arabs (9)), visual disturbance was commonest presenting complaint. Third-nerve paralysis was seen in 70.9% cases. Magnetic-resonance-imaging (MRI) was abnormal in 64.5%. 93.5% patients received steroids, with a response-rate of 70.9% and a recurrence-rate of 9.7%. A previous history of THS and female gender were associated with recurrence (p-value 0.009 and 0.018). Recurrence was seen in 66.7% fully recovered and 33.3% partially recovered cases (p-value 0.04). Among the benign and inflammatory subtypes of THS, the ICHD-3 criteria were applicable in 85% of inflammatory THS.

Conclusions

THS is a rare disease with ethnic variation in presentation and response to treatment. In our cohort female gender and a previous history of THS were associated with recurrence. ICHD-3 diagnostic criteria had a higher validity in our patients compared to prior studies, especially among the inflammatory THS.

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We represent the largest cohort of THS patients from the Middle eastern population.

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In our cohort, medium dose steroids (60 mg daily) had a good recovery rate (71%).

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Female gender and a prior history of THS were associated with recurrence.

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Recurrence rate was low in our cohort compared to international trends (9.7%).

Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome Presenting After COVID-19 Vaccination

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is associated with a plethora of neurological complications. Newly developed vaccinations targeting the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral spike protein represent a great epidemiological promise with respect to the resolution of the pandemic. However, vaccinations are not without side effects and, in rare cases, have even been implicated in various autoimmune phenomena. In this report, we describe a case of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS), a granulomatous inflammatory process of the cavernous sinus, occurring in a patient one week after getting COVID-19 vaccination. This rare diagnosis of exclusion must be considered in patients presenting with painful ophthalmoplegia.

Painful ophthalmoplegia syndrome, beyond Tolosa-Hunt syndrome. A case series

Painful ophthalmoplejía syndrome is characterised by the presence of peri-orbital or peri-cranial pain that is accompanied by paralysis of the oculomotor nerves. The differential diagnosis is broad, and requires a rigorous study. Three clinical cases of patients with painful ophthalmoplejía syndrome are described, in which multiple extension studies were required to obtain an aetiological diagnosis. Painful ophthalmoplejía syndrome is a complex disorder that has multiple causes, including infections, inflammatory, and tumour processes. Biopsy should be considered in those cases in which non-invasive studies are inconclusive.

Gone in the blink of an eye - A Tolosa-Hunt syndrome variant

Tolosa-Hunt syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by severe peri-orbital headache and ophthalmoplegia resulting from pseudotumour in the cavernous sinus compressing structures within it, namely cranial nerves III, IV, and VI and the superior divisions of cranial nerve V. We report the case of a 47 year old female who presented with painless left unilateral ptosis and complete external ophthalmoplegia. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) identified an enhancing heterogeneous mass filling the left cavernous sinus, following the course of the oculomotor nerve. After 2 weeks symptoms and signs resolved and there was a parallel resolution of the MRI findings, without the administration of corticosteroids. As far as we are aware this is one of the first reports of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome variant, with painless neurological involvement confined solely to the oculomotor nerve, and with complete resolution without pharmacological intervention.

A 17-Year-Old Girl With Unilateral Headache and Double Vision

Tolosa-Hunt syndrome is characterized by a painful ophthalmoplegia secondary to a granulomatous inflammation in or adjacent to the cavernous sinus. Magnetic resonance imaging will show enhancement of the cavernous sinus and/or the orbital apex. Although this syndrome is extremely rare in children, it should be a diagnostic consideration in patients presenting with painful ophthalmoplegia with variable involvement of cranial nerves II to VI. The differential diagnosis for unilateral cavernous sinus lesion is broad, including vascular lesions (cavernous sinus thrombosis), inflammatory processes (sarcoidosis, autoimmune), neoplastic processes (schwannoma, lymphoma), as well as infectious etiologies. We describe a pediatric patient presenting with neurological symptoms from a unilateral cavernous sinus magnetic resonance imaging abnormality and the thorough diagnostic approach to arrive at the diagnosis of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome.

A case of headache, double vision and ptosis in emergency department: Tolosa-Hunt syndrome

Headache and double vision symptoms can be seen especially neurological and optical problems. We present Tolosa-Hunt syndrome in a 34-year-old female patient who presented to the emergency department (ED) with the complaints of unilateral severe headache, double vision and ptosis, presented asymmetric contrast enhancement in the right superior cavernous sinus on MR. This pain was reduced with steroid therapy. Pulse steroid therapy of 1 mg/kg/day was planned based on the patient's clinical manifestation, MRI findings and presumed diagnosis of THS. It was observed at patient's follow-up that there were occasional headache, ptosis and double vision were disappeared and MRI findings were regressed. In the differential diagnosis of patients presenting to the ED with the complaints of headache and double vision, rare pathologies such as THS should be considered in addition of common pathologies such as neurological and ocular diseases.

Bilateral Tolosa-Hunt syndrome mimicking pituitary adenoma

The authors report a rare case of bilateral Tolosa-Hunt syndrome, which occurred in a 80-year-old female and remitted spontaneously. Inflammatory lesions were found not only in typical locations, i.e. superior orbital fissures and cavernous sinuses, but also in the pituitary; these imitated gland's macroadenoma in imaging studies.

An Interesting Case of Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome in a Young Male

Tolosa-Hunt syndrome is a rare disease with a limited number of cases reported in the literature. It typically presents with orbital pain associated with palsy of the third, fourth, or sixth cranial nerve. We present an interesting case of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome in a young male who responded well to high-dose steroids and in a few days had significant improvement in his retro-orbital pain and ocular movements.

Evaluation and Management of Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome in Children: A Clinical Update

BACKGROUND

Tolosa-Hunt syndrome is a painful ophthalmoplegia caused by an inflammatory process of unknown etiology in the region of the cavernous sinus, orbital apex, or superior orbital fissure. This disease is rare in the pediatric population. The objective of this study was to provide a clinical framework for the evaluation and treatment of children with this disorder. A systematic approach to the diagnosis of painful ophthalmoplegia in children is proposed.

METHODS

We present a 15-year-old girl whose clinical presentation and neuroradiological findings support a diagnosis of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome as defined by the 2013 International Classification of Headache Disorders (Third Edition, ICHD-3 beta) diagnostic criteria. An exhaustive systematic literature search based on these criteria yielded 15 additional cases of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome in children. Clinical, demographic, and radiological features were retrospectively analyzed. The results and statistical analyses are reported.

RESULTS

A total of 16 individuals were included in the final analysis. This review summarizes the current knowledge and recommendations for the diagnosis and management of pediatric Tolosa-Hunt syndrome. It highlights demographic, clinical, and radiological features of this disease in children and underscores areas of the literature where evidence is still lacking.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, Tolosa-Hunt syndrome seems to follow a similar course in children compared to adults. The diagnostic approach and treatment require specific considerations. New observations and possible features of pediatric Tolosa-Hunt syndrome are discussed. Further research is needed to optimize clinical detection and medical management of this disease.

A Rare Case of Tolosa-Hunt-Like Syndrome in a Poorly Controlled Diabetes Mellitus

We report a case of a 50-year-old female with diabetes mellitus who presented with progressive second, third, fifth, sixth, and eighth cranial nerve palsy. Diagnostic investigation revealed hyperglycemic state, and brain imaging showed a right cavernous sinus enhancement suggestive of and consistent with Tolosa-Hunt syndrome. The patient was started on steroids with tight glycemic control for eight weeks; subsequently, the cranial nerve palsies resolved as well as documented resolution of the right cavernous sinus enhancement.