Reversible changes in diffusion- and perfusion-based imaging in cerebral venous sinus thrombosis

Ning Lin1, Andrew K Wong1, Lindsay J Lipinski1

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, USA Department of Neurosurgery, Gates Vascular Institute at Kaleida Health, Buffalo, New York, USA.

BMJ Case Reports
|February 14, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Diffusion and perfusion imaging can predict outcomes in cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) stroke. Abnormal imaging findings in a CVST patient significantly improved after endovascular treatment, suggesting its prognostic value.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Radiology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Diffusion- and perfusion-based imaging are standard for ischemic stroke assessment.
  • Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is an uncommon stroke etiology managed primarily with anticoagulation.

Observation:

  • The prognostic significance of advanced imaging in CVST remains unclear.
  • A patient with CVST presented with notable abnormalities on MRI and CT perfusion scans.

Findings:

  • The patient's abnormal diffusion and perfusion imaging findings showed substantial reversal post-endovascular intervention.
  • This case suggests a potential role for imaging in evaluating treatment response in CVST.

Implications:

  • Advanced imaging may offer prognostic insights for CVST patients undergoing endovascular therapy.
  • Further research is warranted to establish the definitive role of diffusion and perfusion imaging in CVST management.