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Fibrinolysis in pseudotumor cerebri
M Z Al-Kawi1, P S Chavis, G T Roberts
1Department of Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, and Division of Neuro-Ophthalmology, King Khalid Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, and Department of Pathology, Victoria General Hospital, Halifax, Canada.
Annals of Saudi Medicine
|September 1, 1993
Summary
This study found fibrinolytic system abnormalities in patients with severe pseudotumor cerebri. Further research is needed to explore venous factors and anticoagulants for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Hematology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) is linked to various factors, including medications and venous issues like sinus thrombosis.
- Thrombosis-predisposing conditions such as polycythemia vera can lead to sinus thrombosis and PTC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of hemostatic factors in the development of pseudotumor cerebri.
- To explore the relationship between fibrinolysis and severe, vision-impairing PTC.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study involving nine patients with severe, recurrent, or refractory PTC.
- Assessed euglobulin clot lysis time (ECLT) before and after stress.
- Utilized digital subtraction angiography (DSA) to evaluate sinus thrombosis.
Main Results:
- Abnormal euglobulin clot lysis time (ECLT) was observed in all patients pre-stress and in seven post-stress.
- Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) indicated recanalized sinus thrombosis in only three patients.
- Findings suggest impaired fibrinolysis in a subset of severe PTC cases.
Conclusions:
- Abnormalities in the fibrinolytic system are present in some patients with severe pseudotumor cerebri.
- Further investigation into venous circulatory pathogenesis and the potential use of anticoagulants in PTC is warranted.
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