Type:
Educational Exhibit
Keywords:
Embolism / Thrombosis, Diagnostic procedure, MR, CT, Veins / Vena cava, Neuroradiology brain
Authors:
E. Scapin1, A. Mereu1, L. Saba2; 1Monserrato (CA)/IT, 2Cagliari/IT
DOI:
10.26044/ecr2019/C-2362
Background
CVST,
first reported by Ribes in 1825,
is a particular form of cerebrovascular disease and accounts for 0.5-1% of all cerebrovascular diseases [1].
It affects mostly adults,
younger than 50 years old,
especially women in childbirth age and children.
CVST can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality [2] and an early diagnosis can make an important difference for patients outcome.
There are many recognized risk factors and causes for cerebral venous thrombosis: venous thromboembolism,
pregnancy,
oestrogen therapy/oral contraceptives,
thrombophilia,
hypercoagulability associated with inflammatory disease,
head trauma,
local infections and cancer [3].
CVST is difficult to recognize at early stage,
mainly due to its clinical manifestations which are extremely variable.
Presenting symptoms may include headache,
mostly in a subacute form developing over several days,
nausea,
altered consciousness,
visual disturbances,
neurological focal signs and epileptic seizures occurring in about on-third of affected subjects [4].
Being aware of this heterogeneous clinical presentation might support radiologists in formulating a correct prompt diagnosis,
avoiding venous stroke,
which can present secondary to dural venous sinus thrombosis in 1% of all acute strokes.