Endoscopic optic nerve fenestration amongst pediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension: a new surgical option.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of transnasal trans-sphenoid endoscopic optic nerve fenestration for the reversal of vision loss in pediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a single center observational retrospective case series. Fifteen diagnosed pediatric patients of IIH satisfying the modified Dandy criteria and reported to the out-patient services of otolaryngology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India were included in this study. All children underwent thorough clinical examination, complete neuro-ophthalmological work up including visual acuity (V/A), visual field charting(V/F), fundus venogram and radiological work up with MRI for special optic nerve sections in sagittal reconstruction. cerebro-spinal fluid pressure (CSF) measured pre operatively for all children. Standard endoscopic optic nerve sheath fenestration was performed on all children. Visual improvement was assessed by comparing pre-operative ophthalmological findings.

RESULTS

Improvement in vision was taken as a positive outcome. Vision improved in all except two children, who had pre-existing optic nerve atrophy.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic optic nerve fenestration is an effective minimally invasive procedure to revert visual loss in pediatric Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension.