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Imaging features of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, including a new finding: widening of the foramen ovale

Background Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a clinical disorder of unknown etiology manifesting with increased intracranial pressure in the absence of hydrocephalus, an underlying mass lesion, and demonstrating normal cerebrospinal fluid composition. IIH may exhibit several non-specific imaging findings including: an empty sella, posterior globe flattening, tortuosity of the optic nerve, and optic nerve sheath distention. Purpose To introduce widening of the foramen ovale as a new imaging marker for IIH. Material and Methods IIH is a syndrome which may exhibit several previously described non-specific imaging findings including: an empty sella, posterior globe flattening, tortuosity of the optic nerve, and optic nerve sheath distention. We hypothesize that chronically elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure can lead to osseous erosions and we propose widening of the foramen ovale as a new imaging marker for IIH. Results Average foramen ovale sizes were increased in patients with IIH compared to controls (30.03 ± 7.00 mm2 vs. 24.21 ± 5.97 mm2, P < 0.001). For a cut-off value of 30 mm2, the sensitivity of FO area to detect IIH was 50%, with 81% specificity. Classic findings were significantly more common in patients with IIH compared to controls including: empty sella (65.9% vs. 0%), posterior globe flattening (65.9% vs. 4.5%), vertical tortuosity of the optic nerve (54.5% vs. 9.1%), and optic nerve sheath distention (52.3% vs. 11.4%, all P values < 0.001). Conclusion Our study confirms the association of several classic imaging findings with IIH and supports widening of the foramen ovale as an additional imaging marker which may be incorporated into the evaluation of patients suspected to have this condition.