Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
06:01
A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
Published on: August 18, 2015
Cerebral venous thrombosis in children: a multifactorial origin
Christine Heller1, Achim Heinecke, Ralf Junker
1Department of Pediatrics/Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, University of Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Circulation
|August 27, 2003
Summary
Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) in children is often multifactorial. A combination of prothrombotic risk factors and underlying conditions significantly increases the risk of CVT in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Thrombosis
- Vascular Neurology
- Hematology
Background:
- Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) in children is a rare but serious condition.
- Identifying risk factors is crucial for prevention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between prothrombotic risk factors and underlying conditions with CVT in children.
- To determine the independent predictors of CVT in a pediatric cohort.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 149 pediatric patients with CVT and 149 matched controls.
- Analysis of genetic factors (Factor V G1691A, Factor II G20210A), lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], protein C, protein S, antithrombin, and antiphospholipid antibodies.
- Assessment of underlying clinical conditions such as infections, malignancies, and autoimmune diseases.
Main Results:
- 56.4% of CVT patients had at least one prothrombotic risk factor compared to 20.8% of controls.
- 70.5% of CVT patients had an underlying predisposing condition.
- Multivariate analysis revealed independent associations for increased Lp(a), protein C deficiency, and the combination of a prothrombotic risk factor with an underlying condition.
Conclusions:
- CVT in children is a multifactorial disease.
- The interplay between prothrombotic risk factors and underlying conditions is key in the majority of pediatric CVT cases.
- Early identification of these combined factors is essential for clinical practice.
Related Concept Videos
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...
01:17Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
01:29Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
01:14Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
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...