title: Angioplasty as the first-line therapeutic option for venous hypertension with outlet obstruction of dural sinus.
abstract: We describe a nonconventional endovascular approach to the treatment of pseudotumor cerebri with venous outlet stricture or obstruction. In three patients presenting with acute visual loss, angiograms showed sinus occlusion and stasis of contrast material, with an increased pressure gradient in the venous system. We used venous sinus angioplasty as the first therapeutic option. This treatment was effective, and symptoms and signs of all three patients subsided quickly. In our initial and limited experience, sinus balloon angioplasty appeared to be a good first-line treatment for patients with pseudotumor cerebri, sinus outlet obstruction and acute vision loss. We prefer to use sinus stent placement as a second-line option when initial attempts are unsuccessful, especially in pediatric and young-adult patients, as illustrated in our cases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, China Medical University Hospital; Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C. - Department of Radiology, Chung-Shan Medical University Hospital; Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C. - School of Medical Radiology Technology, China Medical University - School of Medicine, China Medical University - ccc@vghtc.gov.tw.
authors.forename: Ming-Shiang
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Clayton Chi-Chang
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Hao-Chun
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Hung
authors.forename: Wen-Shien
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Chen