Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis


Disease modifying treatment available:
Time critical diagnosis and management:
Lateralising:


Synonyms

  • Venous sinus thrombosis
  • CVST


Aetiology

Risk factors include pregnancy, the puerperium, oestrogen containing contraceptives, infections and malignancy.




Associated Disorders





Clinical features


Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis may cause the following:





Treatment


The mainstay of management is anticoagulation which is often initially with low molecular weight heparin which is often later concerned to warfarin. Even in the presence of small volumes of intracranial haemorrhage anticoagulation is typically continued.

Endovascular thrombolysis and thrombectomy can be considered though there is a lack of high quality evidence supporting these interventions.

Decompressive craniectomy can be considered.





Research


Open questions

What is the role for endovascular thrombolysis in the management of CVST?
What is the role for endovascular thrombectomy in the management of CVST?