Chronic Headache with Unusual Episode: A Case of Cerebral Venous Sinus and Extracranial Venous Thrombosis in Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Abstract

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) with concomitant extracranial venous thrombosis is not a common clinicopathological entity. Extensive venous thrombosis involving head and neck affects young adult and female gender with isolated CVST contributing about 75% of the cases. The clinical features of CVST are nonspecific and can mimic various conditions. The neuroimaging investigation especially CT, MR angiography and venography are used to establish the diagnosis. This case highlights the awareness of the diagnostic difficulties, identifying the etiology and initiating effective treatment. The diagnosis of head and neck venous thrombosis is by having a high index of suspicion based on the clinical context and early recognition to lower the associated morbidity and mortality thus improving clinical outcomes in this condition.