[Cerebral venous thrombosis: Case report and clinical procedures]

Cerebral venous and dural sinuses thrombosis (CVT) is a relatively rare but very serious disease, because of the risk of mortality. Cardinal symptoms are usually severe sudden-onset localized headaches, which may or not be accompanied by focal or generalized neurological deficits or seizures. It is particularly important to consider CVT in the presence of underlying prothrombotic conditions (genetically predisposed or acquired defects of the coagulation system) or well-known risk factors (hormonal contraception, pregnancy, puerperium, smoker status). Based on clinical findings, diagnosis is established using neuroimaging (MRI and MR venography, CT and CT venography) and D-dimer measurement. In the case of early diagnosis and onset of antithrombotic treatment, the prognosis is good. Otherwise there is a high risk of irreversible neurological deficits or even mortality. In daily clinical routine, where many patients present with similar or unspecific symptoms-most of which are harmless-it is thus particularly important that CVT be considered in the differential diagnosis.