[Cerebral venous thrombosis and hereditary protein C deficiency]

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Neurology
• Genetics

Background:

• Protein C, protein S, and antithrombin III are key plasma inhibitors of coagulation.
• Protein C deficiency is a significant risk factor for venous thrombosis.
• Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is an uncommon manifestation of protein C deficiency.

Observation:

• A 32-year-old patient presented with symptoms of endocraneal hypertension.
• CT and MR imaging revealed multiple hemorrhagic cerebral infarctions.
• Arteriography confirmed vertebral venous thrombosis.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with protein C deficiency.
• Literature review found only six documented cases of CVT due to protein C deficiency.
• Coadjuvant factors predisposing to thromboembolic disease were present in most reported cases.

Implications:

• This case underscores the necessity of including protein C deficiency in the differential diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis in young adults.
• Early diagnosis and management of protein C deficiency can prevent severe thrombotic events.
• Further research into the genetic and environmental factors contributing to CVT in protein C deficient individuals is warranted.