Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis following trans-sphenoidal excision of pituitary adenoma: A case report

Abstract

A 52-year-old female diagnosed to harbour a non-functioning pituitary adenoma underwent trans-sphenoidal excision of the tumour. On the 8th post-operative day, the patient developed severe headaches and had an episode of generalised convulsion. Post-ictally, the patient was drowsy, irritable, apahasic and developed right-sided hemiparesis. Computed tomography of the brain revealed a left parietal venous infarct. Magnetic resonance venography confirmed thrombosis of the straight sinus, left transverse sinus, left sigmoid sinus, left internal jugular vein and cortical veins in the left high parietal region. The patient's thrombophilia profile was positive only for heterozygous Factor V Leiden mutation. The patient was treated conservatively with anticonvulsants and low-molecular-weight heparin. The patient recovered completely within a week and was discharged. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) has been rarely reported in the post-operative period following trans-sphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma. Early diagnosis and treatment of CVST is necessary for a favourable outcome.