Cerebral venous thrombosis: Difference between revisions

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''The cavernous sinus is one of the several cerebral veins and [[cavernous sinus thrombosis]] is a specific type of cerebral venous (sinus) thrombosis.  See that article for a discussion of that specific clinical entity.''
''The cavernous sinus is one of the several cerebral veins and [[cavernous sinus thrombosis]] is a specific type of cerebral venous (sinus) thrombosis.  See that article for a discussion of that specific clinical entity.''
==Background==
[[File:Cerebral veins.jpg|thumbnail|Cerebral Veins]]
*Occlusion of venous sinus (most commonly superior sagittal and lateral sinuses) by thrombus<ref>Piazza G. Cerebral venous thrombosis. Circulation 2012;125:1704-1709.</ref>
*No precise prevalence or incidence established due to rarity of condition. However the disease is more prevalent in patients with thrombophilia, oral contraceptive use, and during pregnancy.<ref name="lancet">Bousser MG, Ferro JM. Cerebral venous thrombosis: an update. Lancet Neurol 2007; 6:162-70.</ref>
*Median Age ~ 37 years<ref name="lancet"></ref>
*Female:Male ratio 3:1<ref name="lancet"></ref>


== Background ==
===Predisposing factors===
*Occlusion of venous sinus (most commonly superior sagittal and lateral sinuses) by thrombus or compression from mass
*Cancer
*No precise prevalence or incidence established due to rarity of condition
*Pregnancy
*Median Age ~ 37 years
*Local infections (otitis media, sinusitis, cellulitis, dental infections)
*Female:Male ratio 3:1
*Hypercoagulable states
*Predisposing factors
*Trauma
**Cancer
*Drugs (ecstasy, androgens, OCPs)
**Pregnancy
*Compression of venous sinus (tumor, abscess)
**Local infections (otitis media, sinusitis, cellulitis)
**Hypercoagulable states
**Trauma
**Drugs (ecstasy, androgens, OCPs)
**Compression of venous sinus (tumor, abscess)


== Clinical Features ==
==Clinical Features==
*Clinical presentation varies depending on location, acuity, and severity of thrombosis
Clinical presentation varies depending on location, acuity, and severity of thrombosis. More gradual onset of symptoms or thrombosis allows for compensatory collateral venous system to develop  
**More gradual onset of symptoms or thrombosis allows for compensatory collateral venous system to develop  
===Common Symptoms===
**Common Symptoms:
''Symptoms are variable and may not all be present<ref name="NEJM>Stam J. Thrombosis of the cerebral veins and sinuses. N Engl J Med 2005;352:1791–8.</ref>
***Headache 74-92%
*Headache 74-92%
***Seizures 35-50%
** Progressive, diffuse
***Papilledema 28-45%
*Seizures 35-50%
***Focal Neurologic sequelae (seizures, dizziness) 25-71%
*Papilledema 28-45%
***Encephalopathy
*Focal Neurologic sequelae (seizures, dizziness) 25-71%
*Encephalopathy
[[File:sinus thrombosis.jpg|thumbnail]]
===Neurodefecits===
Although presentation can be highly variable, neurodefecits can be correlated with the location of the occlusion<ref name=NEJM></ref>
*'''Superior Sagital sinus''' - motor deficits, seizures
*'''Left transverse sinus''' - aphasia
*'''Cavernous sinus''' - ocular pain, protosis, oculomotor palsies'''
*'''Deep venous sinus''' -thalamic and basal ganglia related symptoms such as altered mental status


== Diagnosis ==
==Differential Diagnosis==
*Suspect in patients presenting with headache, signs of increased ICP, or focal neurologic deficits in setting of any of above predisposing factors
{{Headache DDX}}


== Work-Up ==
==Evaluation==
*Imaging
[[File:Sagital sinus thrombus.JPG|thumbnail|Sagital sinus thrombosis on CT]]
**MRI/MRV considered diagnostic study of choice, now considered gold standard
''Suspect in patients with headache, signs of increased ICP, or focal neurologic deficits, especially if any of above predisposing factors are present''
**CT venography is a reasonable alternative
===Imaging===
***Has been found to have similar sensitivity to MRV in recent studies
*MRI and MRV are considered diagnostic study of choice<ref name="rads">Khandelwal N et al. Comparison of CT venography with MR venography in cerebral sinovenous thrombosis. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2006;187:1637–1643.</ref>
**Non contrast CT possesses insufficient sensitivity or specificity to be of diagnostic value in the setting of high clinical suspicion
*CT venography is a reasonable alternative if there is a contraindication to MRV and may have a similar sensitivity to MRV in recent studies<ref name="rads"></ref><ref>Rodallec MH, Krainik A, Feydy A et-al. Cerebral venous thrombosis and multidetector CT angiography: tips and tricks. Radiographics. 2006;26 Suppl 1 (suppl_1): S5-18.</ref>
***May see "Delta sign" dense triangle in superior sagittal sinus
**May see "Empty delta sign" dense triangle in superior sagittal sinus<ref>Lee Emil J. Y. “The Empty Delta Sign.” Radiology. 224(3). 2002. 788-789.</ref>
*Labs
**Cord sign: thrombus in the cerebral sinus may appear as a hyperattenuated foci. It is homogenous in nature and appears linear or round based on the affected sinus. This is most commonly seen in the first week. <ref>Ram K. P. Vijay. "The Cord Sign."Radiology. 2006; 240:299-300.</ref>
**D-Dimer has been proposed as a possible screening tool in low risk patients, but still needs further investigation
**Vein Sign: After two weeks, the thrombus becomes hypoattenuated. When the thrombus is located in the deep vein it is referred to as the vein sign. <ref>Linn J, Pfefferkorn T. "Noncontrast CT in Deep Cerebral Venous Thrombosis and Sinus Thrombosis: Comparison of Its Diagnostic Value for Both Entities."AJNR Am J Neuroradiology. 2010; 30: 728-735. </ref>
*Non contrast CT possesses insufficient sensitivity or specificity to be of diagnostic value in the setting of high clinical suspicion


== DDx ==
===Labs===
[[Headache DDX]]
*D-Dimer is not a reliable test to rule out a cerebral venous thrombosis<ref>Crassard I, Soria C, Tzourio C, Woimant F, Drouet L, Ducros A, Bousser MG. A negative D-dimer assay does not rule out cerebral venous thrombosis: a series of seventy-three patients. Stroke 2005;36:1716 –1719.</ref>
*In patients with a concern for [[meningitis]] then pursue diagnosis via standard workup which includes a [[CT before lumbar puncture]]


== Treatment ==
==Management==
*Due to the low incidence of disease, evidence-based recommendations on treatment are lacking
===Anticoagulation===
*Currently accepted that treatment of choice is anticoagulation with heparin or low molecular weight heparin, with eventual transition to oral anticoagulation for a 3-6 month duration
*[[Heparin]] or [[low molecular weight heparin]]
*Seizure prophylaxis should be considered in patients with CVT presenting with seizures
**Of note, heparin initial bolus is 3000-5000U, lower than the dosing for PE/DVT
*Supportive care and close monitoring for increased ICP with consideration of hemicraniectomy for acute decompensation
*Eventual transition to oral anticoagulation for a 3-6 month duration
*Intravascular thrombolytics can be considered in patients who acutely decompensate, have symptoms of increased ICP, or decreased level of consciousness
===[[Seizure]] prophylaxis===
*Only required if the patient has a [[seizure]]<ref>Ferro JM et al. Early seizures in cerebral vein and dural sinus thrombosis: risk factors and role of antiepileptics. Stroke 2008;39:1152–1158.</ref>


== Disposition ==
===Supportive care===
*All patients with confirmed CVT should be admitted to a level of care capable of frequent neurologic monitoring
*Frequent neurologic checks and clinical monitoring for [[increased ICP]]
*Patients should be started on anticoagulation if there are no contraindications, and transitioned to oral therapy and continued for 3-6 months
*Neurology or neurosurgical consultation depending on institutional resources
 
===Acute Decompensation===
*If persistent or severe [[elevated intracranial pressure]] a hemicraniectomy may be necessary
*Intravascular thrombolytics (either catheter guided or systemic) in coordination with neurology may be required if the patient experiences rapidly progressing decompensation<ref>38.Dentali F et al. Safety of thrombolysis in cerebral venous thrombosis: a systematic review of the literature. Thromb Haemost 2010;104:1055–1062.</ref>
 
==Disposition==
*Admission
**To a level of care capable of frequent neurologic monitoring.  Inpatient, the patient should also have a evaluation for a coagulopathy.


==See Also==
==See Also==
*[[Headache]]
*[[Headache]]
*[[Head CT]]
*[[Head CT]]
*[[Cavernous sinus thrombosis]]


== Source ==
==References==
*Rosen's
<references/>
*Uptodate
[[Category:Neurology]]
 
[[Category:Neuro]]

Revision as of 20:04, 15 May 2019

The cavernous sinus is one of the several cerebral veins and cavernous sinus thrombosis is a specific type of cerebral venous (sinus) thrombosis. See that article for a discussion of that specific clinical entity.

Background

Cerebral Veins
  • Occlusion of venous sinus (most commonly superior sagittal and lateral sinuses) by thrombus[1]
  • No precise prevalence or incidence established due to rarity of condition. However the disease is more prevalent in patients with thrombophilia, oral contraceptive use, and during pregnancy.[2]
  • Median Age ~ 37 years[2]
  • Female:Male ratio 3:1[2]

Predisposing factors

  • Cancer
  • Pregnancy
  • Local infections (otitis media, sinusitis, cellulitis, dental infections)
  • Hypercoagulable states
  • Trauma
  • Drugs (ecstasy, androgens, OCPs)
  • Compression of venous sinus (tumor, abscess)

Clinical Features

Clinical presentation varies depending on location, acuity, and severity of thrombosis. More gradual onset of symptoms or thrombosis allows for compensatory collateral venous system to develop

Common Symptoms

Symptoms are variable and may not all be present[3]

  • Headache 74-92%
    • Progressive, diffuse
  • Seizures 35-50%
  • Papilledema 28-45%
  • Focal Neurologic sequelae (seizures, dizziness) 25-71%
  • Encephalopathy
Sinus thrombosis.jpg

Neurodefecits

Although presentation can be highly variable, neurodefecits can be correlated with the location of the occlusion[3]

  • Superior Sagital sinus - motor deficits, seizures
  • Left transverse sinus - aphasia
  • Cavernous sinus - ocular pain, protosis, oculomotor palsies
  • Deep venous sinus -thalamic and basal ganglia related symptoms such as altered mental status

Differential Diagnosis

Headache

Common

Killers

Maimers

Others

Aseptic Meningitis

Evaluation

Sagital sinus thrombosis on CT

Suspect in patients with headache, signs of increased ICP, or focal neurologic deficits, especially if any of above predisposing factors are present

Imaging

  • MRI and MRV are considered diagnostic study of choice[4]
  • CT venography is a reasonable alternative if there is a contraindication to MRV and may have a similar sensitivity to MRV in recent studies[4][5]
    • May see "Empty delta sign" dense triangle in superior sagittal sinus[6]
    • Cord sign: thrombus in the cerebral sinus may appear as a hyperattenuated foci. It is homogenous in nature and appears linear or round based on the affected sinus. This is most commonly seen in the first week. [7]
    • Vein Sign: After two weeks, the thrombus becomes hypoattenuated. When the thrombus is located in the deep vein it is referred to as the vein sign. [8]
  • Non contrast CT possesses insufficient sensitivity or specificity to be of diagnostic value in the setting of high clinical suspicion

Labs

  • D-Dimer is not a reliable test to rule out a cerebral venous thrombosis[9]
  • In patients with a concern for meningitis then pursue diagnosis via standard workup which includes a CT before lumbar puncture

Management

Anticoagulation

  • Heparin or low molecular weight heparin
    • Of note, heparin initial bolus is 3000-5000U, lower than the dosing for PE/DVT
  • Eventual transition to oral anticoagulation for a 3-6 month duration

Seizure prophylaxis

Supportive care

  • Frequent neurologic checks and clinical monitoring for increased ICP
  • Neurology or neurosurgical consultation depending on institutional resources

Acute Decompensation

  • If persistent or severe elevated intracranial pressure a hemicraniectomy may be necessary
  • Intravascular thrombolytics (either catheter guided or systemic) in coordination with neurology may be required if the patient experiences rapidly progressing decompensation[11]

Disposition

  • Admission
    • To a level of care capable of frequent neurologic monitoring. Inpatient, the patient should also have a evaluation for a coagulopathy.

See Also

References

  1. Piazza G. Cerebral venous thrombosis. Circulation 2012;125:1704-1709.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Bousser MG, Ferro JM. Cerebral venous thrombosis: an update. Lancet Neurol 2007; 6:162-70.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Stam J. Thrombosis of the cerebral veins and sinuses. N Engl J Med 2005;352:1791–8.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Khandelwal N et al. Comparison of CT venography with MR venography in cerebral sinovenous thrombosis. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2006;187:1637–1643.
  5. Rodallec MH, Krainik A, Feydy A et-al. Cerebral venous thrombosis and multidetector CT angiography: tips and tricks. Radiographics. 2006;26 Suppl 1 (suppl_1): S5-18.
  6. Lee Emil J. Y. “The Empty Delta Sign.” Radiology. 224(3). 2002. 788-789.
  7. Ram K. P. Vijay. "The Cord Sign."Radiology. 2006; 240:299-300.
  8. Linn J, Pfefferkorn T. "Noncontrast CT in Deep Cerebral Venous Thrombosis and Sinus Thrombosis: Comparison of Its Diagnostic Value for Both Entities."AJNR Am J Neuroradiology. 2010; 30: 728-735.
  9. Crassard I, Soria C, Tzourio C, Woimant F, Drouet L, Ducros A, Bousser MG. A negative D-dimer assay does not rule out cerebral venous thrombosis: a series of seventy-three patients. Stroke 2005;36:1716 –1719.
  10. Ferro JM et al. Early seizures in cerebral vein and dural sinus thrombosis: risk factors and role of antiepileptics. Stroke 2008;39:1152–1158.
  11. 38.Dentali F et al. Safety of thrombolysis in cerebral venous thrombosis: a systematic review of the literature. Thromb Haemost 2010;104:1055–1062.