Spinal cord tumors misdiagnosed as idiopathic intracranial hypertension: Case report with literature review

IntroductionTo maintain intracranial pressure (ICP) within the normal range in an intact skull, volumes of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood and brain are tightly regulated. A change in any of these components leads to compensatory changes in the others to maintain normal brain pressure. If compensatory mechanisms fail, raised intracranial pressure (rICP) occurs. Various causes lead to rICP, including focal brain edema (traumatic hematomas, neoplasm, stroke, abscess), diffuse brain edema (encephalitis, meningitis, seizures), disturbances of CSF circulation, vascular malformations, obstruction of major venous sinuses and idiopathic causes. We present a case of melanocytoma that developed rICP, leading to symptoms of rICP, including headache and blurred vision.Case reportOne rare cause of rICP can be spinal cord tumors. We describe a patient who presented with isolated symptoms and signs of rICP, such as blurred vision and headache for one year. Her condition was initially misdiagnosed as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and venous sinus stenosis. However, after one year, the diagnosis of cervical melanocytoma was confirmed.ConclusionSpinal cord tumors can rarely present solely with symptoms of increased ICP, leading to a potential misdiagnosis and delay in appropriate treatment. This case highlights the need for vigilance and a thorough diagnostic approach in patients with increased ICP.