Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a neurological disorder of unknown etiology characterized by increased intracranial pressure, resulting in headaches, pulsatile tinnitus, and papilledema. A major risk factor for IIH is obesity, and weight management can help improve symptoms of IIH. Venous sinus stenting is a surgical intervention aimed at resolving IIH. This study aims to evaluate the effect of venous sinus stenting on post-operative body mass index (BMI) changes in IIH patients. Secondary objective is to determine post-operative BMI changes by papilledema resolution.
Consecutive papilledema patients undergoing venous sinus stenting for IIH were retrospectively reviewed from two comprehensive North American cerebrovascular centers. Patient demographics, surgical course, and post-operative outcomes and weight were calculated. A systematic review and meta analysis of post-operative weight in stented IIH patients with papilledema was conducted to determine BMI changes.
This study demonstrated that venous sinus stenting is an effective treatment option for managing BMI in IIH patients. The evidence suggests that with the intervention of venous sinus stenting, patients experienced a decrease in their BMI regardless of papilledema resolution. Further research such as larger prospective trials are needed to further understand the effect of transverse sinus stenting on weight loss.