[Cerebral sinus thrombosis: rapid test diagnosis by demonstration of increased plasma D-dimer levels (SimpliRED)].

PURPOSE

To perform an initial evaluation of the accuracy in detection of dural sinus and cerebral venous thrombosis using a bed-side test (SimpliRED).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Early diagnosis and treatment of cerebral sinus thrombosis are important. A screening test to decide which patients should undergo further diagnostics would be valuable due to the low incidence. Six patients with MR proven cerebral sinus thrombosis underwent bed-side testing. The SimpliRED kit provides a clearly visible agglutination of the patient's red blood cells in the presence of elevated levels of the crosslinked fibrin derivative (D-dimer) in the sample.

RESULTS

The assay yielded a positive result in all six patients, even 56 days following the onset of clinical symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The sensitivity of SimpliRED in the detection of sinus venous thrombosis is not known. This assay, therefore, should be evaluated in a large prospective study. In addition, the capability of the test to assess the effect of and predict the duration of anticoagulation therapy should be considered.