Abstract TP423: Risk Factors for Intracranial Hemorrhage in Cerebral Venous Thrombosis

Abstract

Cerebral venous thrombosis is associated with intracranial hemorrhage. The occurrence of brain bleeding complicates management and is associated with worse outcomes. We aimed to identify clinical and imaging risk factors for intracerebral hemorrhage. We hypothesized that higher clot burden would be associated with a higher risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of an international, multicenter cohort of patients with cerebral venous thrombosis who underwent CT within 2 weeks of symptom onset and who had a subsequent confirmed diagnosis of CVT on MRV, CTV or DSA. Clinical and imaging features were compared between patients with and without intracranial hemorrhage. Clot burden was assessed by counting the number of thrombosed venous sinuses and veins on confirmatory imaging. Results: We recruited 260 patients with cerebral venous thrombosis from 10 institutions in Europe and Mexico. The mean age was 42 and 74% were female. Intracranial hemorrhage was found in 102 (39%). Intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 64 (63%), small juxtacortical hemorrhage in 30 (29%), subarachnoid hemorrhage in 24 (24%) and subdural hemorrhage in 11 (11%). Combinations of these types of hemorrhage occurred in 23 (23%). Intraparenchymal hemorrhages in multiple locations occurred in 6 (6%). Older age, presence of hematological disease and superior sagittal thrombosis involvement were significantly associated with presence of hemorrhage. The number of thrombosed venous sinuses was not associated with intracerebral hemorrhage (average number of sinuses/veins involved with hemorrhage 2.1 versus 1.9 without hemorrhage, p=0.4). Conclusion: The high rate of intracranial hemorrhage in cerebral venous thrombosis is not explained by widespread involvement of the venous sinuses. Superior sagittal sinus involvement is associated with the presence of intracranial hemorrhage.