[Clinical and therapeutic aspects of post-partum cerebral thrombophlebites]

Cerebral thrombophlebites are rare but life-threatening conditions (1/5000 births). Pregnancy and postpartum are predisposing factors: clinical presentation vary and may be misleading, dominated by headaches, convulsions and neurological deficits but showing no specific features. Physical examination often generates informations unavailable and misleading because cerebral thrombophlebites share symptoms with other affections. A definitive diagnosis can be made only neuroradiologically. Brain MRI is currently the reference method; it allows visualization of the venous thrombus and its evolution. The treatment of cerebral thrombophlebites is essentially medical based on anticoagulant drugs. We here report four cases with post partum cerebral thrombophlebites. The aim of our study and review of the literature is to highlight the importance of early diagnosis and adequate therapy.