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Cerebral venous thrombosis: A comprehensive narrative review
1Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare stroke cause. Prompt diagnosis and anticoagulation are crucial for managing CVT, preventing severe neurological disability and death.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
- Thrombosis Research
Background:
- Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is an uncommon cause of stroke, representing less than 1% of all stroke cases globally.
- Its pathophysiology is complex, involving thrombosis, blood-brain barrier disruption, and cerebral edema.
- Identified risk factors include genetic predispositions and acquired conditions, with recent evidence linking it to COVID-19 infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge regarding cerebral venous thrombosis.
- To highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with CVT.
- To consolidate information on CVT pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management.
Main Methods:
- This study is a narrative review of existing literature on cerebral venous thrombosis.
- It synthesizes information from various sources to provide a consolidated understanding of the condition.
- No new experimental data was generated; the review relies on published research and clinical observations.
Main Results:
- Headache is the most frequent clinical symptom of CVT, though presentations vary widely.
- Diagnosis relies on radiological imaging.
- Delayed diagnosis and treatment of CVT can lead to severe complications, including neurological impairment and mortality.
Conclusions:
- Cerebral venous thrombosis is a rare but serious condition requiring timely recognition and intervention.
- Effective management hinges on prompt diagnosis through imaging and immediate initiation of anticoagulation therapy.
- Further research and awareness are essential to improve outcomes for patients with CVT.
Abstract:
Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare cause of cerebral infarction, accounting for <1% of stroke cases worldwide. The pathophysiology of CVT is multifactorial, encompassing the direct effects of thrombosis, interference with the blood-brain barrier and development of cerebral edema. Several genetic and acquired risk factors of CVT have been identified, more recently this includes the pro-thrombotic effects of coronavirus disease of 2019 infection. CVT can present with wide variation of clinical characteristics, with headache being the most common clinical manifestation. Diagnosis is based on radiological imaging. The mainstay of CVT management is prompt initiation of anti-coagulation. Failure to recognize insidious symptoms of CVT, will lead to a delay in diagnosis and consequently treatment which eventually lead to significant complications, including neurological disability and death. The aim of this narrative review is to consolidate the existing knowledge on CVT, a rare condition with a challenging diagnosis and treatment.
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