Cerebral Venous Thrombosis: Reviewing Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment Strategies

Abstract

This review discusses cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), including diagnosis and treatment strategies, a rare class of stroke that, if unrecognized or untreated, can have devastating effects. Thrombosis of one or many cerebral veins leads to propagation of thrombosis and impaired cerebral venous drainage. Diagnosis is made using a combination of history and imaging, particularly computed tomography (CT) venogram, which demonstrates thrombosis. Currently, acute treatment consists of heparin infusion with transition to long-term oral anticoagulation. Further research, especially on prevention, endovascular therapy, and the role of newer anticoagulants (direct oral anticoagulants [DOACs]) is necessary and ongoing.