Spontaneous intracranial hypotension with diffuse dural enhancement of thespinal canal and transient enlargement of the pituitary gland

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is a rare phenomenon characterized by postural headache, neck rigidity, nausea and vomiting. Imaging findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is characteristic with diffuse intracrania l pachymeningeal thickening and enhancement following intravenous gadoliniu m. We present a case of spontaneous intracranial hypotension with two unusu al imagine findings, pachymeningeal enhancement of the spinal canal and enl argement of the pituitary gland in addition to the diffuse intracranial pac hymeningeal enhancement. In this case report, we will discuss the clinical features. MRI findings and underlying pathophysiology of this rare conditio n. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.