Factors Contributing to Attenuation of Cerebral Venous Sinus in Brain Noncontrast Computed Tomography Scan

Abstract

Background/Aim In noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT), an apparently hyper-attenuated cerebral venous sinus (CVS) may lead to suspicion of CVS thrombosis. Understanding the factors affecting attenuation of CVS can guide us toward true diagnosis. Hence, the aim of the study was to determine the effect of different factors such as hematocrit, hemoglobin, age, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, leukocyte and platelet count, and sex on the attenuation of CVS on brain NCCT. Material and Methods Total 1,680 patients were included in this study, and their demographic and laboratory data and brain NCCT were reviewed. In their brain NCCT, the average attenuation of superior sagittal sinus and both right and left sigmoid sinuses was measured. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.0 software by Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Spearman's correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression tests. The significance level was considered less than 0.05. Results Hematocrit (B = 0.251, p < 0.001), hemoglobin (B = 0.533, p < 0.001), and creatinine (B = − 0.270, p = 0.048) were determined as predictors of attenuation of superior sagittal sinus. For both sigmoid sinuses, hematocrit (p < 0.001) and hemoglobin (p < 0.001) were determined as positive predictors, and creatinine (p < 0.001) and BUN (p < 0.002) were determined as negative and positive predictors, respectively. Conclusion Hemoglobin, hematocrit, creatinine, and BUN are the main factors that should be considered in the assessment of CVS density on brain NCCT. As with increasing hematocrit and hemoglobin of the subject, the CVS density in NCCT increases, and with increasing creatinine and in some instance decreasing BUN of the subject, the CVS density in NCCT decreases.