Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Visualizing Impairment of the Endothelial and Glial Barriers of the Neurovascular Unit during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis In Vivo
Published on: March 26, 2019
Accelerated myelination associated with venous congestion
1Neuroradiology Department, Institut für Neuroradiologie, Klinikum der Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. luciana.porto@kgu.de
Abstract:
Magnetic resonance imaging is currently the gold standard in the assessment of brain myelination. The normal pattern of brain myelination conforms to a fixed chronological sequence. Focal accelerated myelination is a usual pathological state and previously has only been associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome. The purpose of our study is to describe alternate causes for accelerated myelination. We retrospectively reviewed serial MR scans, MR angiography, conventional angiography and the clinical progress of three children with accelerated myelination. Two patients with accelerated myelination had an underlying cerebral sinovenous thrombosis. The third patient had Sturge-Weber syndrome. Our study strongly suggests that cerebral venous thrombosis with the consequent restriction of venous outflow could be a key factor in the induction of accelerated myelination. We recommend that in patients with accelerated myelination, the search for an underlying etiology should include careful evaluation of the intracranial vascular pathology, especially cerebral venous thrombosis.
Insights
Accelerated brain myelination, often linked to Sturge-Weber syndrome, can also be caused by cerebral sinovenous thrombosis. This finding highlights the importance of investigating venous issues in such cases.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the standard for assessing brain myelination.
- Normal myelination follows a predictable chronological pattern.
- Focal accelerated myelination is a known pathological state, previously linked primarily to Sturge-Weber syndrome.
Observation:
- This study reviewed three pediatric cases of accelerated myelination.
- Two patients presented with underlying cerebral sinovenous thrombosis.
- One patient had Sturge-Weber syndrome.
Findings:
- Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis, leading to restricted venous outflow, is identified as a potential cause of accelerated myelination.
- This challenges the traditional association solely with Sturge-Weber syndrome.
Implications:
- The findings suggest that intracranial vascular pathology, particularly cerebral venous thrombosis, should be carefully evaluated in children with accelerated myelination.
- This broadens the diagnostic considerations beyond Sturge-Weber syndrome for this imaging finding.
Related Concept Videos
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology
Vascular Spasm
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
Cytotoxic Edema: Pathophysiology
