The Venous Occlusion Image Score: A Novel Quantitative Scoring Instrument for Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis

This study aims to test the validity of a new quantitative scoring instrument-the Venous Occlusion Image Score (VOIS), and assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of VOIS for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST).

The VOIS divided the major cerebral venous sinuses and internal jugular veins into nine parts of interest. CT venography and DSA source images and reconstruction were extracted from the database, then interpreted and scored independently according to VOIS by a panel of three reviewers. Inter-observer and intra-observer reliability were determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the kappa coefficient (κ). The primary outcome was the 3-month functional outcome and evaluated by modified Rankin Scale (mRS). The sensitivity and specificity of VOIS for the primary outcomes were computed. Logistic regression was applied to evaluate the association between the score on VOIS and the primary outcomes.

Fifty-six patients with CVST were included in the study. For 16 patients underwent cerebral CTV and DSA, excellent interobserver agreement was observed for DSA (ICC=0.90, 95%CI = 0.87 - 0.92, P < 0.001), and CTV (ICC = 0.92, 95%CI = 0.84 - 0.93, P < 0.001). The κ coefficient of agreement for the two radiology measures was 0.88 (95%CI = 0.79-0.92), indicating good inter-method agreement. For 56 patients followed up by CTV, baseline VOIS value correlated inversely with the severity of stroke on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (r = -0·53, P < 0·001), and modified Rankin Scale (r = -0·59, P < 0·001). Baseline CTV-VOIS value predicted functional outcome (P < 0·05).

VOIS may serve as a convenient and reliable method in the treatment guidance and outcome prediction of patients with CVST.