Imaging of cerebral venous thrombosis

The incidence of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is increasing due to the widespread use of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for investigating patients with acute headaches and new onset of seizures. Alternatively referred to as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical radiology 2020-04, Vol.75 (4), p.254-264
Main Authors: Ghoneim, A., Straiton, J., Pollard, C., Macdonald, K., Jampana, R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Angiography, Digital Subtraction
Cerebral Angiography - methods
Cerebral Veins - diagnostic imaging
Computed Tomography Angiography - methods
Contrast Media
Diagnosis, Differential
Humans
Intracranial Thrombosis - diagnostic imaging
Magnetic Resonance Angiography - methods
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Summary:The incidence of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is increasing due to the widespread use of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for investigating patients with acute headaches and new onset of seizures. Alternatively referred to as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) or dural venous sinus thrombosis (DVST), the terms encompass a broad spectrum of neurological pathologies. These include dural venous sinus thrombosis, cortical vein thrombosis, cavernous sinus thrombosis, venous infarction/haemorrhage, and the rare sequelae of intracranial hypertension or dural arteriovenous fistula. Timely and accurate diagnosis is critical; most patients are young adults and up to 15% will die in the acute phase of the condition. Imaging diagnosis using unenhanced CT or CT venography (CTV) can be readily achieved by the general radiologist. MRI or MRI venography (MRV) are powerful techniques, provided the radiologist is aware of critical diagnostic pitfalls. In selected cases, cerebral digital subtraction angiography (DSA) can facilitate both diagnosis and anticoagulant/transcatheter thrombolytic therapy improving clinical outcome. This article will outline the condition, highlighting cerebral venous anatomy, diagnostic techniques, and pitfalls pertinent to all practising radiologists.
ISSN:0009-9260
1365-229X
DOI:10.1016/j.crad.2019.12.009