Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
07:43
Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Mastoid air sinus abnormalities associated with lateral venous sinus thrombosis: cause or consequence?
1Department of Neurology, Christchurch Hospital, (New Zealand). john.fink@cdhb.govt.nz
Stroke
|January 10, 2002
Summary
Mastoid abnormalities on MRI in patients with lateral venous sinus thrombosis (LST) are common but not indicative of infection. These changes likely result from venous congestion due to LST, not mastoiditis.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Lateral venous sinus thrombosis (LST) is often linked to mastoiditis.
- Uncertainty exists regarding mastoid abnormalities on MRI in LST patients without infection signs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically investigate the association between LST and mastoid air sinus abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 26 patients with cerebral venous thrombosis.
- Radiological assessment of mastoid abnormalities ipsilateral to thrombosed sinuses.
- Clinical evaluation for signs of infection.
Main Results:
- Mastoid abnormalities were found ipsilateral to 39% of thrombosed lateral sinuses (P<0.001).
- No patients exhibited clinical evidence of mastoiditis.
- Most patients with mastoid abnormalities recovered without antibiotics, and one showed MRI reversal of changes.
Conclusions:
- Observed mastoid changes are likely a consequence of venous congestion from LST.
- Findings suggest mastoid abnormalities in this context do not indicate active mastoiditis.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Veins of Head and Neck
The blood drainage from the head and neck is primarily managed by three pairs of veins: the external jugular, internal jugular, and vertebral veins. The external jugular veins drain superficial scalp and face structures, passing over the sternocleidomastoid muscles to empty into the subclavian veins.
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
01:30Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
01:20Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
01:29Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
01:22Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...