Oral contraceptive-related transverse sinus thrombosis as an initial manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome in the absence of systemic lupus erythematosus

Background: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is a rare and potentially life-threatening neurologic manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome. Oral contraceptive pills (OCP) may increase the risk of vascular events, even in people without family history of venous thrombosis.

Case presentation: A 31-year-old woman with four weeks of constant headache and history of taking OCP for one year has been selected for this study. The results of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brain and venography confirmed a diagnosis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. The serum anticardiolipin and antiphospholipid antibodies were elevated and a definitive diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome was made.

Conclusion: The present report demonstrates the importance of screening for antiphospholipid antibodies in patients presenting with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis despite history of taking OCP.