Headache as a manifestation of Retinitis Pigmentosa and Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension. A case report

Abstract

Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) are two different pathologies that can have a very similar presentation (headache and loss of visión). The differential diagnosis of both is essential due to their different management and prognosis. We present the case of a young woman with a 2-year history of headache, visual loss and buzzing in the head. In the fundus of both eyes, typical findings of RP (bone spicules in the middle retina and arteriolar thinning) and IIH (bilateral papilledema) stand out, although the latter is also described in cases of RP. After a complete study in Ophthalmology and Neurology, the diagnosis of both pathologies is reached, with symptomatic and visual improvement after starting treatment to reduce intracranial pressure. The coincidence of both entities is extremely infrequent in the same patient, a high index of suspicion is required due to their clinical similarities and a multidisciplinary collaboration for their diagnosis.