Cerebral venous thrombosis: Study of fifteen cases and review of literature

Abstract

Objective. To analyze a series of 15 patients with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) who had follow-ups at the neurology service of Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte Hospital from April, 2007 to December, 2008. These results were compared with data in literature. Methods. Cases were evaluated by retrospective study of the epidemiologic characteristics, signs and symptoms, risk factors and prognosis of 15 patients with cerebral venous thrombosis. Results. Diagnoses were reached through magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in 14 cases and through an angiography in one. The main risk factors identified were use of birth control pills (40%) and history of family member with deep venous thrombosis. Thrombophilia was found in two patients (13%). The veins more affected were the transverse sinus (73%) followed by the upper sagital sinus (53%). Four patients had strokes and five had only headaches as isolated symptoms. Twelve patients were treated with heparin and oral anticoagulant. Conclusion. Treatment with heparin in the acute phase followed by an oral anticoagulant was shown as safe and efficient to prevent worsening of the disease, recurrence and for quick improvement of neurological symptoms of all treated patients. CVT is one of the possible diagnoses of headaches as an isolated symptom.