Clinical, Etiological, and Imaging Study of Patients with Cerebral Sinus Venous Thrombosis in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To study the clinical profile, etiology, and imaging features of subjects presenting with cerebral sinus venous thrombosis (CVST) and to correlate the clinical findings with radiological findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 120 patients admitted with the diagnosis of CVST to Stanley Medical College and Hospital, Chennai. The study included patients of all age-groups presenting with cerebral venous thrombosis. The diagnosis was confirmed by imaging studies.

RESULTS

The mean age of presentation is 24.4, predominantly males. Headache (90.8%) was the most common presentation, followed by seizures (25%), and paresis (12%). The superior sagittal sinus (SSS) is the most common sinus involved, with multiple sinuses involved in 47% of patients. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain with magnetic resonance venography (MRV) is the investigation of choice. The most common risk factor for CSVT was alcohol intake, especially in males, and females, anemia, pregnancy, usage of oral contraceptive (OC) pills, and puerperium were the common risk factors. The causes of CSVT in this study were hyperhomocystenemia in 8%, anemia in 13%, and prothrombotic state in 6%.

CONCLUSION

Cerebral sinus venous thrombosis is a cause of stroke in young individuals. Even though uncommon, it is underdiagnosed because of its extremely varied clinical presentation. The correct diagnosis of CSVT relies on a high index of suspicion and the availability of advanced imaging like MRI with MR venography.