Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis viewed as a postpartum complication

Abstract

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare type of stroke caused by a clot forming in one of the cerebral sinuses and subsequent blockage in blood drainage. The clinical presentation of this disease can be atypical and diagnosis might be challenging. The patient in this case study was a 33-year-old woman admitted to the perinatology clinic at 39+5 weeks of gestation to perform a planned caesarean section, who had previously been discharged home in good condition. The patient was readmitted to the hospital because of a headache, tingling sensation, and elevated D-dimers. A performed Computed Tomography scan revealed low contrast signal in the left cerebral sinuses and the left internal jugular vein. The diagnosis was CVST, with blood clots present in all mentioned vessels. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging revealed hemorrhagic venous infarctions in the left cerebral and cerebellar hemispheres. The patient was successfully treated with painkillers and heparin. No additional coagulation defect was detected.