Computed Tomography Findings of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis at Thabo Crown Prince Hospital

Abstract

Background and objective: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is a challenging condition because of the variability of its clinical symptoms and signs. Without immediate intervention, severe complications may cause death. The aim of this study was to determine the radiographic findings detected by computed tomography (CT) in cerebral venous thrombosis.

Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted on all patients who had CT imaging performed for cerebral venous thrombosis detection between October 31, 2019, and October 31, 2021, at Thabo Crown Prince Hospital.

Results: A total of 18 patients with cerebral venous thrombosis were included in the study. Age of the patients ranged between 14–61 years with mean age was 39.83 ± 12.31 years. The pathognomonic signs were dense clot in non-contrast CT scan in 16 cases (88.9%), and empty delta sign in contrast-enhanced CT scan in 16 cases (100%). Parenchymal findings were no significant abnormalities in 8 cases (44.4%), intracerebral hemorrhage in 7 cases (38.9%), venous infarction in 5 cases (27.8%), cortical edema in 3 cases (16.7%), and subarachnoid hemorrhage in 3 cases (16.7%). The most common locations of thrombosis were the superior sagittal sinus 72.2%, right transverse sinus 55.6%, left transverse sinus, right sigmoid sinus, and cortical vein 33.3%, respectively. Sensitivity of non-contrast CT to identified cerebral venous thrombosis was 88.9%, and sensitivity of contrast-enhanced CT was 100%.

Conclusion: Computed tomography is essential in the diagnosis of cerebral vein thrombosis.