Background and purpose: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of balloon dilatation and thrombus extraction for the treatment of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST).
Materials and methods: Twenty-six cases of digital subtraction angiography-confirmed CVST were treated with balloon dilatation and thrombus extraction. Active treatment of primary disease was carried out after cerebral venous sinus recanalization, and the subsequent anticoagulant therapy lasted for 6 months.
Results: Recanalization of the cerebral venous sinus was achieved in all 26 patients, and no endovascular treatment-related complications occurred during or after the procedure. At discharge, the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of the patients had improved from an average of 12.3 points to 15 points, and clinical symptoms were improved in 100% of the patients. Follow-up times ranged from 12-62 months (mean follow-up time of 42.3 months) and no thrombus re-formation or new neurological deficits occurred during that time.
Conclusion: Based on our small study population, balloon dilatation and thrombus extraction appears to be a safe and effective treatment for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. However, further research is needed to confirm this.