Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 3, 2026

Permanent Cerebral Vessel Occlusion via Double Ligature and Transection
08:22

Permanent Cerebral Vessel Occlusion via Double Ligature and Transection

Published on: July 21, 2013

15.2K

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis associated with COVID-19: an autopsy case report

Shojiro Takasu1, Mitsuko Ariizumi2,3, Sari Matsumoto2

  • 1Department of Forensic Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8, Nishi-shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan. s-takasu@jikei.ac.jp.

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology
|January 24, 2022
PubMed

Insights

A COVID-19 infection led to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) and death in a 66-year-old woman. The CVST, a blood clot in the brain

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pathology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is linked to increased risk of hypercoagulability and thromboembolism.
  • Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a serious condition involving blood clots in the brain's venous sinuses.

Observation:

  • A 66-year-old woman presented with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, followed by death.
  • Postmortem examination revealed a massive thrombus in cerebral veins and sinuses, consistent with CVST.
  • SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed via RT-qPCR, despite a negative rapid antigen test.

Findings:

  • The cause of death was determined to be acute intracranial hypertension secondary to CVST.
  • COVID-19 was identified as the sole risk factor for the CVST.
  • The CVST may have occurred during the convalescent phase of COVID-19 infection, indicated by symptom improvement and low viral load.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a potential, severe neurological complication of COVID-19, even in the convalescent phase.
  • It underscores the importance of considering CVST in patients with neurological symptoms post-COVID-19.
  • Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and timing of COVID-19-associated thromboembolism.

Keywords:
AutopsyCOVID-19Cerebral venous sinus thrombosisForensicPostmortem CT

More Related Videos

Establishment of a Rat Model of Superior Sagittal-Sinus Occlusion via a Thread-Embolism Method08:07

Establishment of a Rat Model of Superior Sagittal-Sinus Occlusion via a Thread-Embolism Method

Published on: July 4, 2021

3.7K
Analysis of Cerebral Vasospasm in a Murine Model of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage with High Frequency Transcranial Duplex Ultrasound10:41

Analysis of Cerebral Vasospasm in a Murine Model of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage with High Frequency Transcranial Duplex Ultrasound

Published on: June 3, 2021

3.8K

Related Concept Videos

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction01:30

Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction

Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:20

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...