ICD-10: H47.141

Foster-Kennedy syndrome is a rare neurological condition characterized by a specific set of symptoms primarily affecting the optic nerve and associated with increased intracranial pressure. The ICD-10 code H47.141 specifically refers to Foster-Kennedy syndrome affecting the right eye. Below is a detailed clinical description and relevant information regarding this condition.

Clinical Description of Foster-Kennedy Syndrome

Definition and Etiology

Foster-Kennedy syndrome is typically caused by a mass lesion in the anterior cranial fossa, such as a meningioma or other tumors, which exerts pressure on the optic nerve. This pressure leads to a characteristic pattern of visual disturbances and neurological symptoms. The syndrome is named after the physicians who first described it, Dr. Foster and Dr. Kennedy.

Key Symptoms

The hallmark features of Foster-Kennedy syndrome include:

• Unilateral Optic Atrophy: This is the degeneration of the optic nerve on the affected side (in this case, the right eye), leading to vision loss or impairment.
• Contralateral Papilledema: Increased intracranial pressure causes swelling of the optic disc in the opposite eye (the left eye), which can be observed during an eye examination.
• Visual Field Defects: Patients may experience specific visual field losses, often related to the location of the lesion affecting the optic nerve pathways.
• Headaches and Nausea: Due to increased intracranial pressure, patients may also report headaches, nausea, and other signs of increased intracranial pressure.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Foster-Kennedy syndrome typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging studies. Key diagnostic steps include:

• Ophthalmologic Examination: This includes assessing visual acuity, visual fields, and examining the optic discs for signs of atrophy and papilledema.
• Neuroimaging: MRI or CT scans are crucial for identifying the presence of a mass lesion in the anterior cranial fossa that may be causing the symptoms.

Treatment

Management of Foster-Kennedy syndrome focuses on addressing the underlying cause, which often involves surgical intervention to remove the mass lesion. Additional treatments may include:

• Corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation and intracranial pressure.
• Monitoring: Regular follow-up with ophthalmologic and neurological assessments to monitor for changes in vision and symptoms.

Conclusion

Foster-Kennedy syndrome, particularly as denoted by the ICD-10 code H47.141 for the right eye, is a significant condition that requires prompt diagnosis and intervention. Understanding its clinical features, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options is essential for healthcare providers managing patients with this syndrome. Early recognition and appropriate management can help mitigate the impact of the condition on the patient's vision and overall health.

Foster-Kennedy syndrome is a rare neurological condition characterized by a specific set of clinical presentations, signs, symptoms, and patient characteristics. It is primarily associated with increased intracranial pressure and optic nerve atrophy, particularly affecting one eye. Below is a detailed overview of the syndrome, particularly focusing on the right eye as indicated by the ICD-10 code H47.141.

Clinical Presentation

Foster-Kennedy syndrome typically presents with a combination of neurological and ophthalmological symptoms. The condition is often linked to a mass lesion in the frontal lobe, such as a meningioma, which can lead to increased intracranial pressure and subsequent optic nerve damage.

Key Symptoms

1. Unilateral Vision Loss: Patients often experience vision loss in the affected eye, which in this case is the right eye. This is due to optic nerve atrophy resulting from pressure on the optic nerve or direct damage to it.

2. Papilledema: Swelling of the optic disc (papilledema) may be observed in the unaffected eye due to increased intracranial pressure. This is a critical sign that differentiates Foster-Kennedy syndrome from other optic nerve pathologies.

3. Altered Sense of Smell: Patients may report anosmia (loss of smell) or hyposmia (reduced sense of smell), which occurs due to the proximity of the frontal lobe lesions to the olfactory bulbs.

4. Headaches: Frequent headaches are common, often attributed to increased intracranial pressure.

5. Neurological Deficits: Depending on the location and size of the mass lesion, patients may exhibit various neurological deficits, including changes in personality, cognitive dysfunction, or motor weakness.

Signs

• Optic Atrophy: Examination of the right eye may reveal signs of optic atrophy, characterized by a pale optic disc.
• Visual Field Defects: Patients may show specific visual field defects, often corresponding to the affected optic nerve.
• Fundoscopic Findings: Fundoscopic examination may show papilledema in the left eye, while the right eye may show signs of atrophy.

Patient Characteristics

Foster-Kennedy syndrome is more commonly diagnosed in adults, particularly in middle-aged individuals. The following characteristics are often observed:

• Age: Most commonly affects adults aged 30-60 years.
• Gender: There may be a slight male predominance, although the syndrome can affect any gender.
• Underlying Conditions: Patients may have a history of intracranial tumors, particularly meningiomas, which are often the underlying cause of the syndrome.

Conclusion

Foster-Kennedy syndrome, particularly affecting the right eye (ICD-10 code H47.141), is characterized by unilateral vision loss, papilledema in the contralateral eye, and potential neurological deficits due to a mass lesion in the frontal lobe. Early recognition of these signs and symptoms is crucial for timely intervention and management, which may include surgical removal of the underlying mass and treatment of increased intracranial pressure. If you suspect a patient may have this syndrome, a thorough neurological and ophthalmological evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.

Foster-Kennedy syndrome, classified under ICD-10 code H47.141, is a rare neurological condition characterized by specific ocular and neurological symptoms. Understanding its alternative names and related terms can enhance clarity in medical documentation and communication. Below is a detailed overview of the alternative names and related terms associated with this syndrome.

Alternative Names for Foster-Kennedy Syndrome

1. Foster-Kennedy Syndrome: This is the primary name used in medical literature and coding.
2. Optic Nerve Atrophy with Papilledema: This term describes the condition's hallmark features, where optic nerve atrophy occurs alongside swelling of the optic disc (papilledema).
3. Papilledema with Contralateral Optic Atrophy: This name emphasizes the presence of papilledema in one eye while the other eye exhibits optic atrophy, a key characteristic of the syndrome.

Related Terms

1. Intracranial Hypertension: This term refers to increased pressure within the skull, which can lead to the symptoms observed in Foster-Kennedy syndrome.
2. Optic Nerve Disorders: A broader category that includes various conditions affecting the optic nerve, of which Foster-Kennedy syndrome is a specific example.
3. Visual Field Defects: This term relates to the visual impairments that may arise due to the syndrome, particularly in the affected eye.
4. Neurological Symptoms: This encompasses the broader neurological manifestations that may accompany the syndrome, such as headaches or changes in consciousness.

Clinical Context

Foster-Kennedy syndrome is often associated with conditions that lead to increased intracranial pressure, such as tumors or other space-occupying lesions. The syndrome is characterized by unilateral optic atrophy and contralateral papilledema, making it crucial for healthcare providers to recognize these signs for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion

Understanding the alternative names and related terms for Foster-Kennedy syndrome (ICD-10 code H47.141) is essential for effective communication among healthcare professionals. This knowledge aids in accurate diagnosis, coding, and treatment planning, ensuring that patients receive appropriate care for this complex condition. If you have further questions or need additional information on this topic, feel free to ask!

Foster-Kennedy syndrome is a rare neurological condition characterized by a specific set of clinical features, primarily involving the optic nerve and associated with increased intracranial pressure. The diagnosis of Foster-Kennedy syndrome, particularly for the ICD-10 code H47.141 (which refers to the right eye), involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and specific criteria. Below is a detailed overview of the criteria used for diagnosis.

Clinical Features

1. Optic Atrophy: One of the hallmark signs of Foster-Kennedy syndrome is optic atrophy in the affected eye, which in this case is the right eye. This can be assessed through a comprehensive eye examination, including visual acuity tests and fundoscopic examination.

2. Papilledema: The presence of papilledema (swelling of the optic disc due to increased intracranial pressure) is another critical feature. This can be evaluated through direct examination of the optic nerve head during an eye exam.

3. Visual Field Defects: Patients may exhibit specific visual field defects, particularly in the affected eye. These can be assessed using visual field testing techniques, such as perimetry.

4. Neurological Symptoms: Additional neurological symptoms may be present, including headaches, nausea, and other signs of increased intracranial pressure. A thorough neurological examination is essential to identify these symptoms.

Diagnostic Imaging

1. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI of the brain is crucial for diagnosing Foster-Kennedy syndrome. It helps identify any mass lesions, such as tumors (often meningiomas), that may be causing increased intracranial pressure and affecting the optic nerve.

2. Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: A CT scan may also be utilized to visualize any structural abnormalities in the brain that could contribute to the syndrome.

Differential Diagnosis

It is essential to differentiate Foster-Kennedy syndrome from other conditions that may present with similar symptoms, such as:

• Other types of optic neuropathy: Conditions like ischemic optic neuropathy or toxic optic neuropathy should be ruled out.
• Intracranial tumors: Other tumors that may cause similar symptoms must be considered.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of Foster-Kennedy syndrome, particularly for the right eye (ICD-10 code H47.141), relies on a combination of clinical findings, imaging studies, and the exclusion of other potential causes of the symptoms. A multidisciplinary approach involving ophthalmologists and neurologists is often necessary to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. If you have further questions or need more specific information, feel free to ask!

Foster-Kennedy syndrome is a rare neurological condition characterized by a combination of symptoms, including optic atrophy in one eye, papilledema in the other, and often associated with a mass lesion in the anterior cranial fossa, typically due to a tumor. The ICD-10 code H47.141 specifically refers to Foster-Kennedy syndrome affecting the right eye. Treatment approaches for this condition are multifaceted and depend on the underlying cause, severity of symptoms, and overall patient health.

Standard Treatment Approaches

1. Medical Management

• Corticosteroids: If the syndrome is associated with inflammation or edema, corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce swelling and pressure on the optic nerve.
• Pain Management: Analgesics may be necessary to manage headaches or discomfort associated with increased intracranial pressure.

2. Surgical Intervention

• Tumor Resection: If a mass lesion, such as a meningioma or other tumor, is identified as the cause of Foster-Kennedy syndrome, surgical removal of the tumor is often the primary treatment. This can alleviate pressure on the optic nerve and potentially restore vision.
• Decompression Surgery: In cases where there is significant intracranial pressure, decompression surgery may be performed to relieve pressure on the optic nerve and surrounding structures.

3. Radiation Therapy

• Adjuvant Therapy: For patients with tumors that cannot be completely resected, radiation therapy may be used as an adjunct treatment to control tumor growth and reduce symptoms.

4. Vision Rehabilitation

• Optical Aids: Patients may benefit from visual aids or rehabilitation services to maximize remaining vision and adapt to changes in visual function.
• Occupational Therapy: This can help patients adjust to their visual impairments and improve their quality of life.

5. Monitoring and Follow-Up

• Regular Eye Examinations: Continuous monitoring of visual function and optic nerve health is crucial. Regular follow-ups with an ophthalmologist or neurologist can help track the progression of the condition and adjust treatment as necessary.
• Neuroimaging: Periodic MRI or CT scans may be required to monitor for changes in the size of any tumors or lesions.

Conclusion

The management of Foster-Kennedy syndrome, particularly with the ICD-10 code H47.141 for the right eye, requires a comprehensive approach tailored to the individual patient's needs. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to improving outcomes, especially in preserving vision and managing associated symptoms. Collaboration among healthcare providers, including neurologists, ophthalmologists, and oncologists, is essential for effective treatment planning and execution. Regular follow-up care is also vital to monitor the condition and adapt treatment strategies as needed.