[Cerebral venous thrombosis]

Presse Med. 2007 Jan;36(1 Pt 2):158-65. doi: 10.1016/j.lpm.2006.11.007. Epub 2006 Dec 13.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Venous thromboses in the cerebrum are rare, within the context of both cerebrovascular disease and all of the venous thrombotic diseases. Its clinical aspects are polymorphic in their onset and in their acute phase, making diagnosis difficult. MRI with angiographic sequences can show the presence of a thrombus within a venous vessel and its consequences on the cerebral parenchyma. Hemostatic disorders are the leading causes of cerebral venous thrombosis, in particular, constitutional thrombophilia often associated with one or several promoting factors such as use of oral contraception. This explains the incidence peak among young women. The cause of approximately 20% of cerebral venous thromboses is never identified. Antithrombotic treatment must be prescribed on an emergency basis when the diagnosis is made, even if potentially hemorrhagic lesions are also present. The risk of permanent neurologic damage is approximately 13%.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cerebral Veins / pathology*
  • Contraceptives, Oral / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Fibrinolytic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Hemostatic Disorders / complications
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Thrombosis / diagnosis*
  • Intracranial Thrombosis / drug therapy
  • Intracranial Thrombosis / etiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Thrombolytic Therapy
  • Thrombophilia / complications

Substances

  • Contraceptives, Oral
  • Fibrinolytic Agents