Fetal dural sinus thrombosis: A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction Fetal dural sinus thrombosis (DST) is a rare condition. Although numerous case reports exist, the findings appear heterogenous and providing accurate patient counselling remains challenging. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidance. Results Thirty‐one studies including 78 patients were included in this review. No association with maternal or neonatal coagulopathy, infection or trauma was found. The average gestational age at diagnosis was 25 weeks (range 17–34 weeks). Approximately half of foetuses affected were female (48.7%); one quarter were male (25.6%) and one quarter had no sex stated (25.6%). Termination of pregnancy was chosen in 25.6% of cases (20/78). In continuing pregnancies,10.3% (6/58) experienced a perinatal death. Antenatally, the majority of lesions either decreased in size (38.5%) or completely resolved (32.7%). The neonatal or childhood outcome was normal in 88.0% of survivors (44/50). The average age at follow up was 16.4 months, ranging from birth to 6 years. Conclusion This review found that 10% of DST cases experience in‐utero or neonatal death. In survivors, the majority of cases reduce in size or completely resolve in pregnancy and 85% are reported to have a good outcome. However, further evidence is needed regarding long‐term neurocognitive sequelae.

Quantitative Evaluation of a Cross-Sectional Area of the Fetal Straight Sinus by Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Its Clinical Value

“…The quantitative data on the cross-sectional area of the fetal straight sinus in the present study may be useful for making a differential diagnosis between these two aspects. Fetal hypoplasia or atresia of the straight sinus may result in degenerative failure and the formation of a permanent falciform vein (17).…”

Fetal dural sinus malformation: A case report and discussion of the literature

“…A systematic review by Sacco et al 2 published in November 2020 identified just 78 cases, with the earliest case described in 2000. As with our case, the review observed no association between fetal dural sinus thrombosis and any identifiable maternal or neonatal coagulopathy, infection or trauma.…”