Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Cerebral Venous Thrombosis

Abstract

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a category of stroke that occurs when blood clots form in dural sinuses cerebral veins or, resulting in inflammation and injury to brain tissue. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable non-invasive tool for diagnosing and managing CVT, as it enables visualization of cerebral veins and sinuses and can differentiate CVT from similar conditions. MRI gives information on the location, severity, extent, and complications of thrombosis, including hemorrhage and brain edema. Advanced MRI sequences, such as diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), can detect acute ischemic changes and differentiate between cytotoxic and vasogenic edema. This study intended to assess the effectiveness of conventional and advanced MRI techniques in diagnosing CVT in a group of 50 patients. MR venogram and other conventional MRI sequences were used to diagnose CVT in 96% patients, while contrast venography was used in 4% patients. The study was conducted over 18 months, and statistical analysis was performed on the data to assess the significance of the findings. The study found that the majority of patients experienced headaches, and the SSS (superior sagittal sinus) was the most commonly affected sinus. The thrombosis location was associated with parenchymal involvement in different regions. The age of the thrombus correlated with clinical presentation and imaging findings, and the presence of intraparenchymal hematoma in acute phase and hemorrhagic infarct in subacute phase and was significantly correlated. These findings can help guide timely and appropriate treatment for CVT.