Clinical Characteristics of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis in a Single Center in Korea

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) in a single center in Korea.MethodsA total of 36 patients were diagnosed with CVT from August 2005 to May 2013. The patient data regarding age, sex, disease stage, pathogenesis, location, laboratory findings, radiological findings, and treatment modalities were retrospectively collected. The results were compared with those of previous studies in other countries.ResultsThe patient group comprised 21 men and 15 women with a mean age of 46.9 years (ranging from three months to 77 years). The most common cause was a prothrombotic condition (8 patients, 22.2%). Within the patient group, 13 patients (36.1%) had a hemorrhagic infarction, whereas 23 (63.9%) had a venous infarction without hemorrhage. By location, the incidence of hemorrhagic infarction was the highest in the group with a transverse and/or sigmoid sinus thrombosis (n=9); however, the proportion of hemorrhagic infarction was higher in the cortical venous thrombosis group (75%) and the deep venous thrombosis group (100%). By pathogenesis, the incidence of hemorrhagic infarction was the highest in the prothrombotic group (n=6), which was statistically significant (p=0.016).ConclusionAccording to this study, CVT was more prevalent in men, and the peak age group comprised patients in the sixth decade. The most common cause was a prothrombotic condition. This finding was comparable with reports from Europe or America, in which CVT was more common in younger women. Hemorrhagic infarction was more common in the prothrombotic group (p=0.016) than in the non-prothrombotic group in this study.

Clinical Aspects of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis: Experiences in Two Institutions

“…Outcomes of a previous Korean study further indicate that hemorrhagic infarction is more frequent in a prothrombotic setting 26). Although hypercoagulability clearly may precipitate thrombosis and sinus occlusion, resulting in venous stasis, intracranial hypertension, and abrupt transition to hemorrhage, the incidence of hemorrhagic infarction was not significantly higher in patients of ours with prothrombotic conditions.…”

“…Although research in CVT has been active, assimilating data on clinical characteristics and outcomes, such pursuits seldom pertain to Korea 26). Our aim was to describe clinical aspects of CVT, including presenting signs/symptoms, risk factors, radiologic findings, and outcomes, based on review of records at two patient care centers.…”

Headache Patterns in Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis

“…Studies that have looked into the type of headache in CVT are few. [ 10 11 12 ] Most of the literature that was available was in the form of case reports which describe the unusual presentation of CVT with various types of headaches. The main aim of the current study was to characterize the type of headache in CVT, pattern of venous sinus involved, factors affecting headache, and response to standard therapeutic interventions.…”

Isolated Cortical Vein Thrombosis with Long Cord Sign

“…Duration of oral anticoagulant therapy in cases of ICVT depends on whether there is a complete resolution of the thrombus on follow-up images. Oral anticoagulant therapy is typically recommended for 3-6 months in patients with recurrent symptoms and genetic or acquired thrombophilia 2 8 9 12) . In our case, the 3-month follow-up T2 * -GE sequence showed recanalization of the thrombosed cortical vein.…”

“…An isolated cortical vein thrombosis (ICVT) causing a venous hemorrhagic infarction without involving venous sinuses or deep cerebral veins is rare and accounts for less than 1% of strokes 8) . An ICVT is more difficult to diagnose than a cerebral venous thrombosis because the symptoms are non-specific and there is high variability in the number, size, and localization of the cortical vein 2 11 12) .…”