Increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure following unilateral radical neck dissection

Abstract

Abstract A case of prolonged increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure, accompanied by papilledema is described in a patient who underwent unilateral radical neck dissection for low‐grade mucoepidermoid tumor of the submaxillary gland. A superior sagittal sinogram revealed a normal sinus and venous system on the opposite side. The patient ultimately recovered completely with no specific therapy. Only two other cases of visual disturbance following unilateral neck dissection have been reported. The similarity to otitic hydrocephalus is apparent, although this patient had a normal spinal fluid cell count and chemistries in contra distinction to the increased protein and lymphocytes seen in otitic hydrocepha lis. The etiology of this patient's CSF hypertension could not be determined, and although no specific therapy was necessary, various forms of therapy were discussed.