Pseudotumor cerebri in kaposiform lymphangiomatosis: a case report and pathogenetic hypothesis

Childs Nerv Syst. 2018 Aug;34(8):1609-1611. doi: 10.1007/s00381-018-3794-x. Epub 2018 Apr 13.

Abstract

Case report: A 4-year-old boy with kaposiform lymphangiomatosis (KLA) developed progressive headaches and papilloedema and was diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri initially treated with acetazolamide. Clinical deterioration prompted placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. After the surgery, the child's condition has markedly improved.

Discussion and conclusions: A network of intracranial lymphatics is presently being investigated. Neuroimaging excluded KLA infiltration of the skull and/or meninges, leaving as the most plausible explanation for the child's pseudotumor cerebri the existence of an increase in intracranial venous pressure by venous compression at the thorax. To our knowledge, our case constitutes the first report of pseudotumor cerebri occurring in the context of KLA.

Keywords: Benign intracranial hypertension; Intracranial lymphatic system; Kaposiform lymphangiomatosis; Pseudotumor cerebri; Ventriculoperitoneal shunting.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Hemangioendothelioma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hemangioendothelioma / surgery
  • Humans
  • Kasabach-Merritt Syndrome / diagnostic imaging*
  • Kasabach-Merritt Syndrome / surgery
  • Lymphangioma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lymphangioma / surgery
  • Male
  • Pseudotumor Cerebri / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pseudotumor Cerebri / surgery
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / diagnostic imaging*
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / surgery
  • Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt / methods

Supplementary concepts

  • Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma