Overview
What is cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
Why is knowledge of venous anatomy important in the evaluation of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
What is the role of imaging studies in the diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
What are the AHA/ASA guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
What are the causes of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
What is the role of sinusitis in the etiology of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
What is the role of trauma and surgery in the etiology of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
What is the role of hypercoagulable states in the etiology of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
What is the role of intracranial hypotension in the etiology of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
What is the role of lumbar puncture in the etiology of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
Which medications increase the risk of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
Which diseases increase the risk for developing cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
What is the global incidence of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
How does the incidence of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) vary by sex?
How does the incidence of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) vary by age?
What is the major cause of death in cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
What is the mortality rate associated with untreated venous thrombosis?
What is the prognosis of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
Presentation
What are the signs and symptoms of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
What is the significance of headache location in cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
How does cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) affect mental status?
Which physical findings are characteristic of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
DDX
What are the differential diagnoses for Cerebral Venous Thrombosis?
Workup
How is cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) diagnosed?
What is the role of lab studies in the workup of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
What is the role of EEG in the workup of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
Which procedures are indicated in the workup of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
What is the role of D-dimer levels in the workup of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
What is the role of CT scanning in the workup of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
What is the role of CT angiography in the workup of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
What is the role of MRI in the workup of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
What is the role of contrast studies in the workup of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
Treatment
What are the treatment options for cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
How should frontal sinusitis be treated in cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
How should altered mental status or hemiplegia be treated in cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
When is surgery indicated in the treatment of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
What is the role of thrombolytic therapy in the treatment of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
When are specialist consultations needed for the treatment of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
Guidelines
Medications
What medications are used for the treatment of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
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Left lateral sinus thrombosis demonstrated on magnetic resonance venography (MRV). This 42-year-old woman presented with sudden onset of headache. Physical examination revealed no neurologic abnormalities.
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Same patient as in the previous image. One week after treatment with heparin, the magnetic resonance (MR) venogram displayed increased flow in the left lateral sinus consistent with early recanalization of the sinus; headache had resolved at this point.
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Magnetic resonance venogram (MRV) - axial view; A = lateral (transverse) sinus; B = sigmoid sinus; C = confluence of sinuses; and D = superior sagittal sinus.
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Magnetic resonance venogram (MRV) - sagittal view; A = lateral (transverse) sinus; C = confluence of sinuses; D = superior sagittal sinus; and E = straight sinus.
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Computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrates a left posterior temporal hematoma in a 38-year-old woman on oral contraceptives (the only identified risk factor).
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Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showing lack of filling of left transverse sinus.
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Axial view of magnetic resonance (MR) venogram demonstrating lack of flow in transverse sinus.
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Coronal view of magnetic resonance (MR) venogram demonstrating lack of flow in the left transverse and sigmoid sinuses.