Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in a patient with concomitant Graves' disease and squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix

Abstract

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is caused by either acquired or inherited pro-thrombotic states. Hyperthyroidism is a less recognised predisposing factor of CVST, and the causality has been debated. We report a case of a life-threatening CVST in a 40-year-old woman, with uncommon dual risk factors: hyperthyroidism and advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. CVST should be considered as a differential diagnosis when a patient with hyperthyroidism presents with new-onset headache or other neurological symptoms. Further assessment to elucidate other covert risk factors may need to be continuously carried out, when the causal relationship of one apparent cause has not been well established.