Probable Tolosa-Hunt syndrome with a normal MRI

Evaluation of Patients with Painful Ophthalmoplegia for Benign and Secondary Etiologies

This study aims to establish the final definite etiology among patients with long-term follow-up for painful ophthalmoplegia. The data of 44 cases (16 females, 28 females) were examined. In the first diagnosis, subjects were scanned in terms of benign and secondary etiologies. Clinical and radiological follow-up results of patients were recorded. During the follow-up period, data on clinical outcomes (relapse or progression), treatment responses, and final diagnoses were evaluated In total, 49 episodes of painful ophthalmoplegia (44 patients) were evaluated. Secondary etiologies were identified in 21 patients benign/secondary tumours causes in 10, inflammatory in 1, infectious in 3, vascular in 3, demyelinating disease in 1, autoimmune in 2, drug-related cause in 1. 23 patients with benign etiologies; 11 had Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS), 2 had Recurrent Painful Ophthalmoplegic Neuropathy (RPON), and 10 had diabetic ophthalmoparesis (DO). 7 of 11 patients with THS met the International Classification Headache Disorders 3rd edition (ICHD-3 beta) criteria, 4 were with a normal MRI, and 1 had a recurrence. 9 of 10 patients with benign/secondary tumours causes were malignant, and 7 died due to disease progression during the treatment process. One of ten patient was followed with diabetic ophthalmoparesis and was diagnosed with cavernous sinus involvement of B-cell lymphoma as a result of clinical progression during follow-up. Painful ophthalmoplegia is a complex clinical condition with a broad differential diagnosis with malignant and benign etiologies. A detailed clinical examination, imaging, and long-term follow-up are essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment management.

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: A Painful Ophthalmoplegia

Tolosa–Hunt syndrome is a painful ophthalmoplegia characterized by recurrent unilateral orbital pain, ipsilateral oculomotor paralysis, and a rapid response to steroids. Our report describes a 37-year-old young woman who presented with right ptosis, ipsilateral ophthalmoplegia, and painful headache with no other neurological deficits in which all biological and neuroimaging investigations were normal. Complete recovery within one week of corticosteroid therapy was observed. This is probably the first case of Tolosa–Hunt syndrome reported in Dakar, Senegal.

Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome: A Non-Classical Presentation of a Rare Cause of Unilateral Headache and Painful Ophthalmoplegia

Tolosa-Hunt syndrome is a rare condition involving the orbital and retro-orbital space. The typical symptoms are orbital pain, swelling, headache, palsies of the cranial nerves, and sensory loss in the distribution of the trigeminal nerve. Tolosa-Hunt syndrome relapses and remits with episodes separated by months to years. It is a diagnosis of exclusion after ruling out other causes of painful ophthalmoplegia and is treated with high-dose steroids. We present a case of a 43-year-old woman with a history of recurrent headaches and vision disturbances for the past 4 years presenting with worsening left-eye pain that radiated to the back of her head, swelling around the left eye, double vision, and a unilateral left-sided headache. Visual acuity was decreased in the left eye compared to the right and the patient reported left-eye pain when at extreme medial and lateral gaze. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was found to be elevated with all other laboratory testing within normal limits. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the orbits was unremarkable. Ophthalmology excluded other differential diagnoses and she was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone with significant improvement of symptoms. The triad of one or more episodes of unilateral orbital pain, paresis of one or more of the cranial nerves, and granulomas by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or biopsy is 95-100% sensitive at diagnosing the syndrome; however, our patient did not present with the "classic" triad. Initial treatment of Tolosa-Hunt is with high-dose steroids which as in our case lead to rapid and significant improvement of symptoms.

Oculomotor Synkinesis (Aberrant Reinnervation of the Third Cranial Nerve) Associated with Atypical Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome

A 70-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus developed a painful pupil-involving right third nerve palsy, ipsilateral fourth nerve palsy, and periorbital paraesthesia. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated enhancement and thickening of the right third nerve, and she was diagnosed with presumed Tolosa-Hunt syndrome. Repeated imaging seven months later showed resolution of the enhancing thickened oculomotor nerve, but the patient developed signs of oculomotor synkinesis. This presentation demonstrates a rare case of oculomotor synkinesis secondary to inflammation.

Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome: Appraising the ICHD-3 beta diagnostic criteria

Introduction

The term Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome was first used more than half a century ago to describe painful ophthalmoplegia accompanied by cranial nerve palsies. In the decades since, its diagnostic criteria have evolved considerably. The beta version of the 3rd Edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders narrows these criteria to require the demonstration of granulomatous inflammation on MRI or biopsy. We believe this may introduce challenges to accurate diagnosis.

Discussion

Requiring the demonstration of granulomatous inflammation for a diagnosis of Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome may introduce the potential for false negative and false positive diagnoses. Although the disorder presents secondary to granulomatous inflammation, MRI technology may not be able to identify it reliably, and biopsy is not always indicated for its symptomatology. Additionally, several cases have been reported of Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome diagnosed with MRI-confirmed granulomatous inflammation that later prove to be attributable to other pathologies. The emphasis on neuroimaging may therefore exclude some true Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome cases and include others resulting from other latent pathologies that are not visible on MRI.

Conclusion

We wish to offer several potential modifications to the International Classification of Headache Disorders guidelines for Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome, including making the demonstration of granulomatous inflammation on MRI or biopsy non-mandatory and lengthening patient follow-up to two years for cases in which MRI is unrevealing.

Neuroimaging in the Diagnostic Evaluation of Eye Pain

Ocular or eye pain is a frequent complaint encountered not only by eye care providers but neurologists. Isolated eye pain is non-specific and non-localizing; therefore, it poses significant differential diagnostic problems. A wide range of neurologic and ophthalmic disorders may cause pain in, around, or behind the eye. These include ocular and orbital diseases and primary and secondary headaches. In patients presenting with an isolated and chronic eye pain, neuroimaging is usually normal. However, at the beginning of a disease process or in low-grade disease, the eye may appear "quiet," misleading a provider lacking familiarity with underlying disorders and high index of clinical suspicion. Delayed diagnosis of some neuro-ophthalmic causes of eye pain could result in significant neurologic and ophthalmic morbidity, conceivably even mortality. This article reviews some recent advances in imaging of the eye, the orbit, and the brain, as well as research in which neuroimaging has advanced the discovery of the underlying pathophysiology and the complex differential diagnosis of eye pain.

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.

Steroid-responsive painful ophthalmoplegia: Tolosa–Hunt syndrome, Eales disease, or both?

Introduction

Tolosa–Hunt syndrome (THS) is one of the most common ‘benign’ causes of painful ophthalmoplegia. Diagnosis is based on clinical and imaging findings and the exclusion of other causes because there is no specific biomarker for the syndrome. Eales disease, an idiopathic inflammatory venous disease that primarily affects the eye, can also affect the central (as stroke or myelitis) and peripheral nervous system.

Case report

We report the case of a 32-year-old woman with a subacute left ophthalmoplegia and evidence of a gadolinium-enhanced lesion suggesting an inflammatory granuloma that resolved within 48 hours after treatment with steroids. A diagnosis of THS was considered at this time. On a follow-up ophthalmological examination, a diagnosis of Eales disease with involvement of the left eye was made. The patient was treated successfully.

Conclusion

Eales disease could be a cause of painful ophthalmoplegia and may mimic THS. Long-term follow-up of patients diagnosed with THS may be necessary to exclude other diagnoses.

Tolosa-Hunt syndrome: an arcane pathology of cavernous venous sinus

Tolosa-Hunt syndrome, an idiopathic granulomatous inflammation of the cavernous sinus, is primarily a diagnosis of exclusion. The majority of patients present with unilateral orbital pain and features suggestive of paralysis of one or more of the cranial nerves passing through the cavernous sinus and/or superior orbital fissure. MRI of the head may show unilateral enhancement of the cavernous sinus and orbital apex. Treatment is with high-dose intravenous steroids followed by tapering oral steroids. Rapid amelioration of pain within 24-48 h supports this rare diagnosis. Resolution of neuropathies may take longer. We describe a case of a young man who presented with left periorbital pain, complete ophthalmoplaegia and ptosis of the left eye. MRI showed enhancement of the left cavernous sinus and orbital apex. High dose steroids led to complete resolution of pain, while ptosis and ophthalmoplaegia improved gradually.

The evaluation of ICHD-3 beta diagnostic criteria for Tolosa-Hunt syndrome: a study of 22 cases of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome

The objective of the study was to evaluate the amended International Classification of Headache Disorders (third edition, beta version, ICHD-3 beta) with a retrospective analysis. A total of 22 patients diagnosed with painful ophthalmoplegia and Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS) in our hospital were retrospectively studied. The following clinical data were collected: symptoms, signs, location of inflammatory tissue, time interval of paresis following the onset of pain, pain and signs of resolution, follow-up and relapse. Pain and diplopia were found in 22 (100 %) and 20 cases (91 %). The sympathetic nerve was involved in 6 cases (27 %). Paresis followed the pain for an average of 8 ± 5.87 days. Serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed granulomatous lesion that was visible in 20 patients (91 %). 19 patients (86 %) demonstrated the lesions located in the cavernous sinus, orbital apex or superior orbital fissure. One lesion extended to the intracranial structure. Pain was relieved in 20 cases (91 %) within 72 h and no patient had complete relief from paresis. According to our study, we think the time course of relief should be undefined. Headache location is hard to describe accurately. Normal MRI should be involved in THS diagnoses. The lesion of THS can extend beyond the cavernous sinus and the orbit. The time interval between headache and paresis can exceed 2 weeks.