Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: review of the demographics, pathophysiology, current diagnosis, and treatment

Abstract

<jats:p>Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare clinicopathological entity. The incidence of CVST in children and neonates has been reported to be as high as 7 cases per million people, whereas in adults the incidence is 3–4 cases per million. The predisposing factors to this condition are mainly genetic and acquired prothrombotic states and infection. The clinical picture of CVST is nonspecific, highly variable, and can mimic several other clinical conditions. Diagnosis of CVST is established with the implementation of neuroimaging studies, especially MR imaging and venography. Identification and elimination of the underlying cause, anticoagulation, proper management of intracranial hypertension, and anticonvulsant prophylaxis constitute cornerstones of CVST treatment. Newer treatment strategies such as endovascular thrombolysis and decompressive craniectomy have been recently used in the treatment of patients with CVST with variable success rates. Further clinical research must be performed to delineate the exact role of these newer treatments in the management of severe cases of CVST. The recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with CVST have significantly lowered the associated mortality and morbidity and have improved the outcome of these patients.</jats:p>

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis: A Case Report with Review of Diagnosis and Treatment Strategies

“…Among adults, there are reportedly 3-4 cases per million people per year [6][7][8]. That number is significantly higher amongst the pediatric group, approaching 7 cases per million people per year [3,6].…”

“…Among adults, there are reportedly 3-4 cases per million people per year [6][7][8]. That number is significantly higher amongst the pediatric group, approaching 7 cases per million people per year [3,6]. The most affected group amongst children is the neonatal population, where 40% of CVST occurs in neonates less than 6 months of age [3,6,7].…”

“…That number is significantly higher amongst the pediatric group, approaching 7 cases per million people per year [3,6]. The most affected group amongst children is the neonatal population, where 40% of CVST occurs in neonates less than 6 months of age [3,6,7]. Some of the adult risk factors for CVST are young, healthy females between the ages of 20-40 [4][5][6].…”

“…The most affected group amongst children is the neonatal population, where 40% of CVST occurs in neonates less than 6 months of age [3,6,7]. Some of the adult risk factors for CVST are young, healthy females between the ages of 20-40 [4][5][6]. Studies show there is a 3:1 ratio of females to males in CVST, which may be due to the use of oral contraceptives, pregnancy and pueripartum, three risk factors that tend to increase thrombosis [1,2,[4][5][6].…”

“…CVST is a condition in which the venous sinuses become thrombosed, resulting in increased intracranial pressure, toxic edema, seizures and possibly death. While CVST represents just 0.5-1% of all arterial and venous strokes, it can be a life-threatening disease, especially when there are delays in diagnosis or initiation of therapy due to the variable presentation [1,2,[4][5][6].…”