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Cerebral sinus venous thrombosis in children
C Barnes1, F Newall, J Furmedge
1Department of Haematology, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|January 14, 2004
Summary
Pediatric cerebral sinus venous thrombosis (SVT) is uncommon but can lead to significant neurological deficits. Early diagnosis and management with anticoagulation show promise, but long-term outcomes require further study.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Radiology
Background:
- Cerebral sinus venous thrombosis (SVT) is a rare condition in children.
- Emerging data highlight the need for better understanding of its clinical characteristics, radiological findings, and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, treatment, and outcomes of pediatric cerebral SVT.
- To assess the long-term neurological sequelae in children diagnosed with cerebral SVT.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of pediatric cerebral SVT cases diagnosed between 1995 and 2001.
- Utilized International Classification of Disease codes for case identification and reviewed medical records for detailed information.
Main Results:
- Sixteen cases of pediatric cerebral SVT were identified, often associated with head and neck pathology.
- Symptoms commonly included raised intracranial pressure and focal neurological signs; MRI was superior to CT in diagnosis.
- Anticoagulation led to radiological resolution and initial normal neurological outcomes, but over 40% experienced long-term deficits.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric cerebral SVT is linked to substantial long-term neurological morbidity.
- Further prospective research is needed to identify outcome predictors and optimize management strategies.