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A case of cortical vein thrombosis with the cord sign
1Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul, Korea.
Background:
Computed tomography is performed in suspicious cases of cerebral venous thrombosis. Although an empty delta sign is not uncommonly reported, a cord sign is rarely reported. But this is, if present, pathognomonic, especially in the case of cortical vein thrombosis.
Case Description:
A young man with antithrombin III deficiency sought emergency treatment for headache and seizure. Noncontrast computed tomography showed a typical cord sign in multiple sections. It seemed to be independent from the adjacent pathologic findings in most sections. Brain magnetic resonance imaging verified it as a thrombosed vein in conjunction with acute venous infarction.
Conclusion:
The cord sign should be considered for early and accurate diagnosis of cortical vein thrombosis.
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