Abstract

Background: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare but potentially fatal condition if untreated, affecting 5 individuals per million annually. Its clinical manifestations are diverse, often leading to delayed diagnosis. A high index of suspicion is essential for timely identification and management, which relies on neuroimaging and clinical context.

Objective: To highlight the varied clinical presentations, diagnostic challenges, and management strategies of CVST, as observed in a case series at BIRDEM General Hospital. Methods: This series includes six cases, presenting with symptoms such as persistent or severe headache, papilledema, ophthalmoplegia, and neurological deficits. Each patient underwent detailed clinical and laboratory evaluations, including thrombophilia screening, and was treated accordingly .

Etiologies Identified: Protein C deficiency, Cryptogenic origin, Septic thrombosis, Antiphospholipid syndrome, Antithrombin III deficiency, Hyperhomocysteinemia

Treatment Outcomes: All patients responded to anticoagulation, with specific therapies targeting underlying causes.

Conclusion: CVST often mimics other neurological disorders due to its atypical presentations, making early diagnosis challenging. This series emphasizes the importance of comprehensive evaluations and timely anticoagulant therapy to mitigate severe complications and improve outcomes.

Correspondence:
Dr. Faria Noshin
Resident – Phase B
Critical Care Medicine, Birdem General Hospital