Headache Profile in Patients With Idiopathic Hypertrophic Cranial Pachymeningitis

The Spectrum of Intracranial Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis at an Eastern Indian Tertiary Care Center

Introduction

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP) is a treatable, rare inflammatory disease, either primary or secondary to systemic causes.

Aims

To characterize the etiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment outcomes of HP patients and determine the factors influencing the radiological resolution of the pachymeningeal enhancement and recurrence of symptoms within the follow-up period.

Materials and Methods

We collected data for this prospective observational study between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2022, at the Bangur Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, and the patients were followed for a 6-month period. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment-related data were collected. A univariate logistic regression model was used for comparison between patients with and without radiological resolution of pachymeningitis and between patients with and without symptom recurrence.

Results

Among 44 patients, the male: female ratio was 1.2:1. The median age at disease onset was 35.5 (28.5-49.5) years. The etiologies were idiopathic (56.8%), tuberculosis (22.8%), immunoglobulin G subtype 4 (IgG4) disease (9.2%), other infections (6.8%), and neoplastic (4.4%). Headache was the most common presentation (95.4%), followed by cranial neuropathies (68.2%). Optic and oculomotor neuropathies were the most common. In terms of radiological features, 27.27, 29.54, and 43.18% of patients had diffuse, focal regular, and focal irregular enhancement, respectively. Temporal (50%), followed by cavernous sinus (38.63%) enhancement, was the most common. Recurrence occurred in 36 and 50% of idiopathic and IgG4-related HP cases, respectively. Mycophenolate mofetil was added to their steroid regimen with no further recurrences.

Conclusion

The cohort had a marked absence of (antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies) ANCA-associated HP. The severity of clinical manifestations or distribution of pachymeningitis did not differ significantly among the etiological groups. The presence of idiopathic etiology and focal regular enhancement had a significantly higher chance of radiological resolution. The response to therapy was satisfactory. Recurrence was significantly related to shorter steroid courses ( Collapse

Key Words

• Hypertrophic pachymeningitis
• IgG4
• idiopathic
• recurrence
• resolution
• tuberculosis

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MESH Headings Collapse

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Affiliation(s)

Suman Das Department of Neuromedicine, North Bengal Medical College, Darjeeling District, West Bengal, India Department of Neuromedicine, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Biman Kanti Ray Department of Neuromedicine, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

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Idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis with anticardiolipin antibody: A case report

RATIONALE

Idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis (IHP) is a rare neurological disorder without a definite etiology. Diagnosis is mainly based on exclusion of other etiologies.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 41-year-old male patient presented with insidious onset headache of 3-month duration.

DIAGNOSES

Contrast-enhanced brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed diffuse pachymeningeal enhancement over bilateral cerebral hemispheres and the tentorium cerebelli. Lumbar puncture showed increased pressure, lymphocytic pleocytosis, and elevated protein level with normal glucose concentration. Blood tests detected elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein. Pathological examination of the dura mater from the right frontal convexity disclosed coarse collagenous deposition with focal lymphoid aggregation. After malignancy and infectious etiologies were excluded, a diagnosis of IHP was made.

INTERVENTIONS

Oral prednisolone and azathioprine followed by methotrexate were administered.

OUTCOMES

During the 7-year follow-up period, although the patient was not totally headache-free, medical therapy significantly reduced the severity of headache. Follow-up MRI studies showed a reduction in meningeal enhancement and serial ESR measurements revealed a trend of improvement.

LESSONS

Methotrexate therapy may be considered in cases of steroid-resistant IHP. In addition to clinical evaluation, serial ESR testing may be considered to guide the treatment strategy and assess the response to therapy.

An Update on Idiopathic Hypertrophic Cranial Pachymeningitis for the Headache Practitioner

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We aim to review idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeninigitis (IHCP), describe common head pain patterns and features associated with the disorder, suggest potential classification of head pain syndromes based on the recently published International Classification of Headache Disorders-3, explore pathophysiology found to be associated with cases of IHCP, and indicate common treatment for the disorder.

RECENT FINDINGS

It is suggested that a subset of IHCP is an IgG4-related autoimmune disorder. Patients with IHCP were found to have elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein and lymphocytic pleocytosis. Corticosteroids are a mainstay of treatment. Other immunosuppressive agents and steroid sparing agents as add-on therapy may have utility in the treatment of cases refractory to corticosteroids alone. Clinical manifestations of IHCP depend upon the location of the inflammatory lesions and compression of the adjacent nervous system structures. Headache and loss of cranial nerve function were the most common presenting features of hypertrophic cranial pachymeninigitis. Several headache diagnoses may result from IHCP. Gadolinium-enhanced MRI is the standard imaging modality for diagnosing. Although the pathophysiology is poorly understood, many cases of hypertrophic pachymeninigitis (HP) are thought to be closely related to inflammatory disorders. Cases of HP previously thought to be idiopathic may have IgG4 pathophysiology. CSF and serological studies are helpful. Treatment involves immunosuppressive agents. Advancement in neuroimaging, assays, tests, and further delineation of inflammatory disorders affecting the nervous system may provide further insight to the etiology of cases of HP previously considered and diagnosed as idiopathic.

Clinical features of hypertrophic pachymeningitis in a center survey

BACKGROUND

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP) is characterized by cranial and/or spinal thickening of the dura mater with or without associated inflammation. Neuroimaging studies reveal dura mater thickening and focal or diffuse contrast enhancement. It is described in association with trauma, infections, tumors, autoimmune/inflammatory diseases, and cerebrospinal fluid hypotension syndrome, with some cases remaining idiopathic.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted with patients' identification through a key terms search within MRI reports in the period of July 2008 to September 2015. Clinical files, MRI, laboratory, and pathology data were reviewed.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients were identified and 20 were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Of the 33 included, 19 were female, with a mean age at symptoms onset of 51.2 ± 17.6 years. The most common presenting symptoms were headache and cranial nerves palsy, followed by seizures, delirium, lumbar pain, cognitive decline, motor deficit, and language impairment. In 17 patients, a neoplastic etiology was identified; in eight, inflammatory/autoimmune; in six, infectious; and two were classified as idiopathic. Of the eight patients with inflammatory/autoimmune etiology, four had possible IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) and the remaining had granulomatosis with polyangiitis, sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Tolosa-Hunt syndrome. Treatment was directed according to the underlying etiology.

DISCUSSION

In the described series, a female predominance was identified, with symptoms' onset in the 5th decade. Although headache was the most common symptom, clinical presentation was varied, emphasizing the role of MRI in HP diagnosis. The underlying etiologies were diverse, with only a few cases remaining idiopathic, also reflecting the contribution of the recently described IgG4-RD.

Characteristics of hypertrophic pachymeningitis in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP) is an important neurologic complication of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA, formerly Wegener's granulomatosis). The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical features, radiological findings, and diagnostic pitfalls of GPA-related HP. A retrospective chart review was performed to screen patients diagnosed with GPA at Samsung Medical Center between 1997 and 2016. Neurologic manifestation, laboratory findings, neuroimaging data, and clinical course were evaluated in all patients. Characteristics of patients with HP were compared to those of patients without HP. Sixty-five patients with GPA were identified. Twenty-five of these patients had central nervous system involvement. HP (N = 9, 36%) was the second most common radiologic finding. Other neurologic findings included stroke (N = 7, 28%) and granulomatous disease (N = 10, 40%). Patients with HP had lower incidences of systemic manifestations (N = 2, 22.2% vs. N = 38, 67.9%, p = 0.013 in the lung and N = 1, 11.1% vs. N = 28, 50.0%, p = 0.030 in the kidney) than those without HP. Six patients with GPA-related HP were MPO-ANCA positive (66.7%) and two had PR3-ANCA (22.2%). Most of the patients with HP presented with headache (N = 8, 88.9%) at a rate that is similar to those of primary headache disorders (migraine, tension-type, and stabbing) and other secondary headache disorders (postural type and meningitis). Patients with HP rarely had neurologic deficits (N = 3, 37.5%). Different clinical or radiologic features may be observed in GPA-related HP. Early recognition and accurate diagnosis of GPA-related HP are needed in addition to neuroimaging findings.

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis

BACKGROUND

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP) is a rare clinical entity characterized by diffuse or localized fibrous thickening of the dura mater. It is well known but rare especially in pediatric population disease of differing origins. The primary (idiopathic) form is diagnosed after excluding other possible etiologies. Similar results from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for patients with hypertrophic pachymeningitis and meningiomas may make the diagnosis confusing. Additionally, making a proper diagnosis without histological sampling can be difficult in some cases.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We present a case of an 18-year-old boy diagnosed with hypertrophic pachymeningitis in the area of the hypoglossal canal. The diagnosis was made after a 2-month history of hypoglossal nerve palsy and dysphagia preceded by a middle ear infection. The patient was treated surgically with suspicion of meningioma, but no evidence of a tumor was found during the operation. The postoperative period was uneventful. At the latest check-up, MRI revealed regression of all previously observed pathological changes.

Infiltrative mass of the skull base and nasopharynx: A diagnostic conundrum

Inflammatory skull base masses are enigmatic and often behaviourally unpredictable. We present a case of idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis (IHP) forming a central skull base mass to illustrate the process required when one investigates such skull base lesions. This is the first description of mass forming or tumefactive IHP extending into the nasopharynx. A 32-year old woman presented with frontal headaches and nasal discharge. She then deteriorated and was admitted with worsening headaches, serosanguinous nasal discharge and bilateral ophthalmoplegia. Multimodality imaging confirmed a destructive central skull base soft tissue mass involving the posterior clivus, floor of sphenoid sinus, nasopharynx and extending into both cavernous sinuses. Unfortunately, the patient continued to deteriorate despite treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Cerebrospinal fluid, blood tests and transnasal biopsies for histology and microbiology did not reveal a diagnosis. Further neuroimaging revealed extension of the mass. Early corticosteroid treatment demonstrated radical improvement although an initial reducing regime resulted in significant rebound deterioration. She was stable on discharge with slowly reducing low dose oral prednisolone and azathioprine. We discuss the complexity of this case paying special attention to the process followed in order to arrive at a diagnosis of idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis based on both the clinical progression and the detailed analysis of serial skull base imaging. Knowledge of the potential underlying aetiologies, characteristic radiological features, common pathogens and the impact on blood serology can narrow the potential differentials and may avoid the morbidity associated with extensive resective procedures.

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Timely thorough investigation is critical to reduce the risk of irreversible damage.

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Prompt biopsy is essential to exclude both neoplasia and inflammatory conditions.

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Early corticosteroid administration is necessary to limit local infiltration.

[A case of bilateral ophthalmoplegia caused by focal idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis on the anterior cranial fossa]

A previously healthy 63-year-old man presented with a 2-weeks history of diplopia without headache. Neurological examination revealed total external ophthalmoplegia of the left eye and limitation of abduction of the right eye. Initial cranial MRI showed thickening and enhancement of the dura mater only on the anterior cranial fossa but unremarkable on the cavernous sinus. Idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis was diagnosed in the absence of demonstrable underlying infective, neoplastic, or systemic autoimmune disease by his clinical findings, laboratory tests and radiological examinations. Corticosteroid therapy was initiated with methylprednisolone (1,000 mg/day for 3 days), followed by oral prednisolone and tapering off. Eye movements improved with treatment and completely recovered within 4 weeks after starting administration, and cranial MRI at the 15 days after starting treatment showed improvement. We suggest that his ophthalmoplegia was caused by the inflammation of dura on the cavernous sinus beyond the thickening lesion of cranial MRI. In a case of bilateral ophthalmoplegia with or without headache, it is required to examine the dural thickening and enhancement on the anterior cranial fossa by cranial MRI.

Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with autonomic symptoms syndrome as the initial manifestation of idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis

This is the first report of 2 patients presenting with short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with autonomic symptoms as the initial manifestation of idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis. They both had acute retro-orbital pain ipsilateral to the dural thickening on magnetic resonance imaging of brain, and one had transient miosis as an additional parasympathetic feature. Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with autonomic symptoms syndrome may be associated with secondary central nervous system pathology, and neuroimaging should be considered in all patients with trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia.

Vertigo and autoimmunity

Autoimmune inner ear disease probably accounts for less than 1% of all cases of balance disorders, but its incidence is often overlooked due to the absence of a specific diagnostic test. Furthermore, in several systemic autoimmune diseases the vestibulo-cochlear system may be affected. Clinical features comprise generalized imbalance, ataxia, motion intolerance, episodic vertigo and positional vertigo. An autoimmune mechanism seems to be responsible for 6% of unilateral and 16% of bilateral forms of Ménière's disease. Oscillopsia and disequilibrium secondary to a bilateral vestibular paresis are probably caused by an autoimmune response in 5% of cases. Balance disorders of central origin may be due to other immuno-mediated disorders such as multiple sclerosis, brainstem encephalitis and vasculitidis. Aim of this paper is to assess the clinical features of autoimmune vertigo disorders through a systematic literature review.

Symmetric sensorineural progressive hearing loss from chronic idiopathic pachymeningitis

We present the case of a 68 year-old man with a diffused hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP) involving both internal auditory canals. The clinical symptoms were headache, decreased vision in one eye, progressive bilateral and symmetrical sensory-neural hearing loss (PSNHL) responsive to steroid treatment. Although hearing loss is a frequent manifestation of HP, only few studies reported an adequate audiological assessment and follow-up. Mechanisms related to the auditory involvement are discussed on the basis of audiological data. Gadolinium enhanced MRI is the most adequate technique for HP detection and for the differential diagnosis. A delay in the diagnosis of HP seems to be quite common and the consequences may be severe, especially in cases of optic nerve involvement. For these reasons, a cerebral MRI should probably be included in the assessment of PSNHL, especially when neurological signs coexist or are reported in the medical history.

Idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis in a child with hydrocephalus

Idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis is a rare but increasingly recognized disorder characterized by diffuse thickening of the dura mater of unknown etiology. The inflammation usually involves the cranial or spinal dura mater, with resultant neurologic deficits. Although it is reported primarily in adults, there is one previous report describing the condition in a child. Described here is the case of a child who presented at the age of 3.5 years with idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis involving the entire central nervous system, with poor response to steroids, cyclophosphamide, and intraventricular cytarabine.

Idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis presenting with headache

Idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis is a rare inflammatory disease, usually involving the dura mater of skull base, tentorium, and falx. Chronic headache is the most common clinical manifestations. We report a case of idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis that was, initially, misdiagnosed as acute subdural hematoma along the tentorium cerebelli and posterior falx on the brain precontrast CT scan of a patient with severe headache. Correct diagnosis of pachymeningitis was made only after brain magnetic resonance imaging and meningeal biopsy.

Idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis treated by oral methotrexate: a case report and review of literature

Idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis (IHCP) is a rare clinical entity, characterized by a chronic inflammation causing thickening of the dura. Adequate therapeutic management is still a matter of debate. We present a patient with an IHCP, non-responsive to corticotherapy. Oral methotrexate was introduced (12.5 mg weekly) and total remission was observed after 6 weeks, both clinically and after neuro-imaging. We conclude that methotrexate can be effective and a therapeutical option in patients with IHCP who are resistant to corticotherapy or present major side-effects of chronic corticosteroids use.

An approach to the patient with painful ophthalmoplegia, with a focus on Tolosa-Hunt syndrome

The differential diagnosis of painful ophthalmoplegia is extensive and consists of numerous sinister etiologies, including neoplasms (ie, primary intracranial tumors, local or distant metastases), vascular (eg, aneurysm, carotid dissection, and carotid-cavernous fistula), inflammatory (ie, orbital pseudotumor, giant cell arteritis, sarcoidosis, and Tolosa-Hunt syndrome), and infectious etiologies (ie, fungal and mycobacterial), as well as other miscellaneous conditions (ie, ophthalmoplegic migraine and microvascular infarcts secondary to diabetes). A systematic approach to the evaluation of painful ophthalmoplegia can lead to prompt recognition of serious disorders that can be associated with significant morbidity or mortality if left untreated. Inflammatory conditions such as Tolosa-Hunt syndrome and orbital pseudotumor are highly responsive to corticosteroids but should be diagnoses of exclusion.

[Hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis as a rare cause of headache]

Hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis is an uncommon, fibrosing, inflammatory process that involves the dura mater. The condition is being reported more frequently owing to the use of cranial MRI. The main clinical feature is headache, whereas cranial nerve lesions, cerebellar symptoms, and epileptic seizures occur more rarely. A variety of autoimmune and infectious diseases can result in this condition, which is labeled as idiopathic in the absence of any definite inciting factor. The diagnosis of hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis is based on neuroimaging of thickened and enhancing dura mater. It can be defined pathologically on biopsy. A specific treatment is indicated in some cases of secondary hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis. Mostly, treatment relies on corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents. This review summarizes the current knowledge on causes, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of this disorder.