Neonatal Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis Research Articles

Neonatal Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis: A Case Report

Neonatal cerebral sino-venous thrombosis (CSVT) is a rare disorder, associated with long-term neurological sequelae. Cerebral sino-venous thrombosis (CSVT) is a focal or diffuse disruption of cerebral blood flow secondary to occlusion of cerebral veins and/or sinuses. The most commonly presented clinical manifestations were feeding difficulties, lethargy, respiratory distress, loss of consciousness, and seizures. Here we report one such rare case of Neonatal Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis in a full-term male admitted to the NICU in view of respiratory distress due to meconium-stained liquor and cried immediately after birth. The baby had convulsions on day 5 of life, MRI Brain was done and reported as multifocal areas of diffusion on restriction and large areas of diffusion restriction involving various parts of brain. Subcutaneous low molecular heparin was started. There is limited literature describing outcomes: 60?80% of all infants have some neurological deficits; cognitive impairment is reported in 10?60%, and epilepsy in 30?40%.

Neonatal Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis and the Main Perinatal Risk Factors-A Retrospective Unicentric Study.

(1) Background: Neonatal cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) is a rare disorder, associated with long-term neurological sequelae. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the most commonly encountered perinatal risk factors for this disease in a cohort of newborns from Romania. (2) Methods: The medical records of neonatal CSVT patients treated between January 2017 and December 2021 were descriptively assessed. (3) Results: The study included nine neonates, five males (55.56%) and four females (44.44%), who were born at term. The most commonly presented clinical manifestations were feeding difficulties, lethargy, respiratory distress, loss of consciousness, and seizures. Maternal-inherited thrombophilia, male sex, complicated delivery, perinatal asphyxia, and mechanical ventilation were frequently identified as potential risk factors for developing CSVT. The lesions were more frequently localized in the superior sagittal sinus (n = 7; 77.78%), followed by the transverse (n = 4; 44.44%), sigmoid (n = 2; 22.22%), and cavernous (n = 1; 11.11%) sinuses. Low-molecular-weight heparin was administered to all patients, and two of them died from thrombotic complications. (4) Conclusions: Recognition of potential risk factors and a prompt diagnosis of neonatal CSVT could lead to better patient management and to a reduction of severe complications.

Abstract TMP95: Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis In Preterm Infants

Introduction: Neonatal cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) can lead to brain injury and long-term neurodevelopmental impairments. Previous studies of neonatal CSVT have primarily focused on term infants, and studies of preterm infants are lacking. In this study, we examined the clinical and radiological features, treatment and outcome of CSVT in preterm infants. Methods: This was a retrospective, consecutive cohort study of preterm infants (gestational age <37 weeks) with radiologically confirmed CSVT. All MRI/MRV and CT/CTV scans were re-reviewed to study thrombus characteristics and the pattern of brain injury. Clinical and radiological data were analysed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA and chi-square tests. Outcome was assessed by the validated Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure (PSOM). Results: A total of 26 preterm infants with CSVT were included. Of these, 65% were late preterm, 27% very preterm and 8% extreme preterm. Most (73%) were symptomatic at presentation with seizures or abnormal exam. Transverse (85%) and superior sagittal (42%) sinus were most common sites of thrombosis. Parenchymal brain injury was predominantly periventricular (35%) and deep white matter (31%) in location. Intraventricular hemorrhage occurred in 46%. Most infants (69%) were treated with anticoagulation. None of the treated infants had hemorrhagic complications. Outcome at follow-up ranged from no impairment (39%), mild impairment (19%) and severe impairment (19%). Conclusions: Preterm infants with CSVT are often symptomatic and have white matter brain lesions at presentation. Anticoagulation treatment of preterm CSVT in this small cohort appeared to be safe. Further larger studies and treatment.

B.3 The incidence of perinatal stroke is 1:1200 births in Southern Alberta: Population-based incidence of disease-specific perinatal stroke

Background: Perinatal stroke encompasses six cerebrovascular syndromes which occur between the 20th week of gestation and the 28th post-natal day. Subtypes are neonatal arterial ischemic stroke (NAIS), neonatal cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT), neonatal hemorrhagic stroke (NHS), arterial presumed perinatal ischemic stroke (APPIS), periventricular venous infarction (PVI), and presumed perinatal hemorrhagic stroke (PPHS). Inconsistent terminology and lack of population-based case series has limited accurate measurement of disease-specific perinatal stroke incidence. Our objective was to define the incidence of the subtypes of perinatal stroke using a population-based cohort. Methods: The Alberta Perinatal Stroke Project is a research cohort established in 2008 in Southern Alberta. Case acquisition included retrospective hospital and ICD code searches (1990-2008) and prospective enrollment from all NICU and neurology/stroke clinics (2008-2017). Results: The overall incidence of perinatal stroke in Southern Alberta was 9.0 cases per 10,000 births, or 1:1200 births. Per 10,000 births, the incidence of each subtype was: NAIS = 3.2 (~1:3000), APPIS =1.2 (~1:8500), PVI = 1.5 (~1:6500), CSVT = 1.0 (~1:9900), NHS = 1.4 (~1/7300), PPHS = 0.1 (1/82,000). Conclusions: The overall incidence of perinatal stroke in Southern Alberta is 1:1200 live births. Population-based sampling of disease-specific states may explain why this rate is much higher than previous estimates

P.116 Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis in Preterm Infants

Background: Neonatal cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) can lead to severe brain injury and long-term neurodevelopmental impairments. Previous studies of neonatal CSVT have mainly included term infants. In this study, we examined the clinical and radiological features, treatment and outcome of CSVT in preterm infants. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of preterm infants born <37 weeks with radiologically confirmed CSVT. All MRI/MRV and CT/CTV scans were re-reviewed. Clinical and radiological data were analysed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA and chi-square tests. Results: A total of 26 preterm infants with CSVT were included. Of these, 65% were late preterm, 27% very preterm and 8% extreme preterm. Most were symptomatic (seizures 50%, abnormal exam 50%). Radiological features included transverse sinus (85%) and sagittal sinus thrombosis (42%), intraventricular hemorrhage (42%) and venous infarction (19%). Most preterm infants with CSVT (69%) were treated with anticoagulation. Anticoagulation was not associated with new or worsening intracranial hemorrhage. Outcome at follow-up ranged from no impairment (39%), mild impairment (19%), severe impairment (19%) and death (23%). Conclusions: Preterm infants with CSVT are often symptomatic and present with a distinct pattern of brain injury. Anticoagulation treatment of preterm CSVT appeared to be safe. Further studies and treatment guidelines for preterm CSVT are needed.

Research advances in neonatal cerebral sinovenous thrombosis.

Neonatal cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) is a cerebrovascular disease with a seriously underestimated incidence rate. Due to a lack of specific clinical manifestations and the low sensitivity of conventional imaging examinations, it has long been considered a rare disease in neonates. In recent years, the development of magnetic resonance technology has improved the diagnostic rate of CSVT. This article reviews the research advances in intracranial venous anatomy of neonates and clinical manifestations, imaging features, treatment, and prognosis of CSVT and deep venous thrombosis, in order to improve the understanding and to make correct diagnosis and treatment of neonatal CSVT.

Clinical Diversity of Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis and Arterial Ischaemic Stroke in the Neonate: A Surveillance Study

Introduction: Incidence, risk factors, clinical presentation, onset of symptoms, and age at diagnosis differ between neonatal arterial ischaemic stroke (AIS) and cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT). A more accurate and earlier discrimination of these two entities can be of eminent importance. Methods: Active surveillance for AIS and CSVT was performed in 345 German paediatric hospitals. Only MRI confirmed cases were included in our analysis. Patients with AIS were compared to CSVT cases with regard to age at diagnosis, pattern of clinical symptoms, and case characteristics. Results: Data on 144 AIS and 51 CSVT neonatal cases were collected from 2015 to 2017. The frequency of reported AIS cases was 2.8 [95% CI 2.1; 3.9] times higher compared to reported CSVT cases. CSVT patients were more likely to be born premature (CSVT 14/48, 29.2%; AIS 19/140, 13.2%; p = 0.02) and to have signs of perinatal acidosis (30.2% CSVT vs. 13.5% AIS; p = 0.01). Generalized seizures and lethargy were more likely to occur in infants with CSVT (p < 0.0001). Age at onset of symptoms and at time of diagnosis were shifted to older ages in CSVT (p < 0.0001). Discussion/Conclusion: In the neonatal period, AIS is about three times more common than CSVT. A higher proportion of critically ill infants in CSVT and a later onset of symptoms may indicate that perinatal and postnatal complications are more important for CSVT than for AIS.

Venous thrombosis in neonates.

The incidence of thrombotic disorders in neonates and children is increasing with advances in diagnostic modalities, supportive care, and management of many health conditions. The developing coagulation system, need for intensive care, including catheterization, and co-morbid conditions are responsible for the relatively high risk of thrombosis in neonates compared to older children. This review addresses the advances over the last 3 years in neonatal thrombosis, with a focus on epidemiology, cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT), renal vein thrombosis (RVT), and portal vein thrombosis (PVT). The incidence of neonatal thrombosis in the contemporary era is reported to be 6.9–15 per 1,000 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions, compared to 2.4 per 1,000 NICU admissions reported in older registry data. The majority of recently published studies are small, retrospective, and from single centers, albeit they emphasize the need for definitive data to support the efficacy and safety of anticoagulation therapy (ACT) in the management of CSVT, RVT, and PVT. We highlight two important international initiatives geared towards improving the evidence base for these conditions. The International Pediatric Thrombosis Network (IPTN) is a collaboration of 74 centers across 27 countries (as of January 2021) which has started important projects like the international neonatal RVT registry, while the International Pediatric Stroke Study (IPSS) group is in the planning stages of a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the utility of ACT in the management of neonatal CSVT.

Pediatric Ischemic Stroke: An Infrequent Complication of SARS-CoV-2.

Severe complications of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) include arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) in adults and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Whether stroke is a frequent complication of pediatric SARS-CoV-2 is unknown. This study aimed to determine the proportion of pediatric SARS-CoV-2 cases with ischemic stroke and the proportion of incident pediatric strokes with SARS-CoV-2 in the first 3 months of the pandemic in an international cohort. We surveyed 61 international sites with pediatric stroke expertise. Survey questions included: numbers of hospitalized pediatric (≤ 18 years) patients with SARS-CoV-2; numbers of incident neonatal and childhood ischemic strokes; frequency of SARS-CoV-2 testing for pediatric patients with stroke; and numbers of stroke cases positive for SARS-CoV-2 from March 1 to May 31, 2020. Of 42 centers with SARS-CoV-2 hospitalization numbers, 8 of 971 (0.82%) pediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2 had ischemic strokes. Proportions of stroke cases positive for SARS-CoV-2 from March to May 2020 were: 1 of 108 with neonatal AIS (0.9%), 0 of 33 with neonatal cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT; 0%), 6 of 166 with childhood AIS (3.6%), and 1 of 54 with childhood CSVT (1.9%). However, only 30.5% of neonates and 60% of children with strokes were tested for SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, these proportions represent 2.9, 0, 6.1, and 3.0% of stroke cases tested for SARS-CoV-2. Seven of 8 patients with SARS-CoV-2 had additional established stroke risk factors. As in adults, pediatric stroke is an infrequent complication of SARS-CoV-2, and SARS-CoV-2 was detected in only 4.6% of pediatric patients with ischemic stroke tested for the virus. However, < 50% of strokes were tested. To understand the role of SARS-CoV-2 in pediatric stroke better, SARS-CoV-2 testing should be considered in pediatric patients with stroke as the pandemic continues. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:657-665.

Incidence and risk factors of cerebral sinovenous thrombosis in infants.

To describe the incidence of term and preterm neonatal cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) and identify perinatal risk factors. This was a national capture-recapture calculation-corrected surveillance and nested case-control study. Infants born preterm and at term with magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed neonatal CSVT were identified by surveillance in all paediatric hospitals in Germany (2015-2017). Incidence was corrected for underreporting using a capture-recapture method in one federal state and then extrapolated nationwide. We reviewed PubMed for comparisons with previously reported incidence estimators. We used a population-based perinatal database for quality assurance to select four controls per case and applied univariate and multivariable regression for risk factor analysis. Fifty-one newborn infants (34 males, 17 females; 14 born preterm) with neonatal CSVT were reported in the 3-year period. The incidence of term and preterm neonatal CSVT was 6.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.4-8.7) per 100000 live births. Median age at time of confirmation of the diagnosis was 9.95 days (range 0-39d). In the univariate analysis, male sex, preterm birth, hypoxia and related indicators (umbilical artery pH <7.1; 5-minute Apgar score <7; intubation/mask ventilation; perinatal asphyxia), operative vaginal delivery, emergency Caesarean section, and pathological fetal Doppler sonography were associated (p<0.05) with neonatal CSVT. Multivariable regression yielded hypoxia (odds ratio=20.3; 95% CI 8.1-50.8) as the independent risk factor. Incidence of neonatal CSVT was within the range of other population-based studies. The results suggest that hypoxia is an important perinatal risk factor for the aetiology of neonatal CSVT.

Population Based Birth Prevalence of Disease-Specific Perinatal Stroke.

Perinatal stroke encompasses multiple disease-specific cerebrovascular syndromes that cause lifelong neurodevelopmental morbidity for millions worldwide. Acute presentations include neonatal arterial ischemic stroke (NAIS), neonatal cerebral sinovenous thrombosis, and neonatal hemorrhagic stroke (NHS). Delayed presentations include arterial presumed perinatal ischemic stroke, periventricular venous infarction, and presumed perinatal hemorrhagic stroke. Our objective was to define the birth prevalence of all subtypes of perinatal stroke by using a population-based cohort. The Alberta Perinatal Stroke Project is a research cohort established in 2008 in southern Alberta, Canada, with prospective (2008-2017) and retrospective (1990-2008) enrollment leveraging universal health care at a single tertiary care pediatric center. The primary outcome was the estimated birth prevalence of each perinatal stroke syndrome, secondary outcomes were birth prevalence over time, sex ratios, and change in age at diagnosis. Analysis included Poisson regression, Wilcoxon rank test, and Fisher exact test. The overall estimated birth prevalence of term-born perinatal stroke was 1:1100. The estimated birth prevalence was 1:3000 for NAIS, 1:7900 for arterial presumed perinatal ischemic stroke, 1:6000 for periventricular venous infarction, 1:9100 for cerebral sinovenous thrombosis, 1:6800 for NHS, and 1:65000 for presumed perinatal hemorrhagic stroke. The apparent birth prevalence of NAIS and NHS increased over time. There were more males affected than females. The age at diagnosis decreased for late-presenting stroke types. The estimated birth prevalence of term perinatal stroke is higher than previous estimates, which may be explained by population-based sampling of disease-specific states. This emphasizes the need for further studies to better understand the disease-specific pathophysiology to improve treatment and prevention strategies.

Neonatal Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review

Neonatal cerebral sinovenous thrombosis is a rare and potentially life-threatening disorder associated with various longterm neurological deficits. The pathogenesis of cerebral sinovenous thrombosis in neonates is still unclear. Many potential risk factors have been identified, such as gestational or delivery complications or neonatal comorbid conditions including dehydration, sepsis, or cardiac defects. A correct diagnosis is often delayed due to the subtle presentation of the disorder, leading to delayed treatment with poor outcomes. Herein, we report a preterm female neonate who was born only with the presentation of intrapartum maternal fever. Routine brain sonography showed intraventricular hemorrhage. In a further study, brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed neonatal multiple sinovenous thrombosis. To prevent potential thrombosis development and ameliorate possible thrombosis-related problems, the infant immediately received anticoagulation therapy. At the 3-month follow-up, developmental milestones were within the normal range, and the follow-up brain MRI scans also showed normal results. In conclusion, early recognition and proper treatment may yield a better prognosis for neonatal cerebral sinovenous thrombosis, especially when patients exhibit any possible risk factors, which should alert healthcare professionals.

Abstract 51: The Incidence of Perinatal Stroke is 1:1200 Live Births: A Population-Based Study in Alberta Canada

Introduction: Perinatal stroke encompasses six cerebrovascular syndromes which occur between the 20 th week of gestation and the 28 th post-natal day. Morbidity is significant including motor, language, behavioral, and cognitive challenges, as well as epilepsy. Acute presentations include neonatal arterial ischemic stroke (NAIS), neonatal cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT), and neonatal hemorrhagic stroke (NHS). Delayed presentations include arterial presumed perinatal ischemic stroke (APPIS), periventricular venous infarction (PVI), and presumed perinatal hemorrhagic stroke (PPHS). Inconsistent terminology and lack of population-based cohorts has limited accurate measurement of disease-specific perinatal stroke incidence. Our objective was to define the incidence of the subtypes of perinatal stroke using a population-based cohort. Methods: The Alberta Perinatal Stroke Project is a research cohort established in 2008 in Southern Alberta, Canada (population ~2.1 million). Leveraging universal health care at a single tertiary care pediatric center facilitated true population-based epidemiology. Patients included had neuroimaging-confirmed perinatal stroke. Case acquisition included exhaustive retrospective hospital and ICD code searches (1990-2008) and prospective enrollment from all NICU and neurology/stroke clinics (2008-2018). Live birth rate denominators were determined from the provincial census. Results: The overall incidence of perinatal stroke in Southern Alberta from 2008-2018 was 81 cases per 100,000 live births, or 1 case per approximately 1200 live births. The incidence of NAIS was 31 per 100,000 (~1/3000), APPIS was 11 per 100,000 (~1/9000), PVI was 18 per 100,000 (~1/5500), and CSVT was 10 per 100,000 (~1/9800). The incidence of NAIS increased after implementing prospective case identification, from 8.5 (95% CI 5.3-11.6) per 100,000 to 31 per 100,000 (95% CI 24.4-38.2), p&lt;0.00001, the remainder of stroke subtypes were stable over time. Conclusions: The overall incidence of perinatal stroke in Southern Alberta is 1:1200 live births. Population-based sampling of disease-specific states may explain why this rate is much higher than previous estimates.

Seizures and Outcome One Year After Neonatal and Childhood Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis

BackgroundPediatric cerebral sinovenous thrombosis is a treatable cause of brain injury, acute symptomatic seizures, and remote epilepsy. Our objective was to prospectively study epilepsy and outcomes in neonates and children one year after cerebral sinovenous thrombosis diagnosis. MethodsPatients with cerebral sinovenous thrombosis were enrolled prospectively from 21 international sites through the Seizures in Pediatric Stroke Study. Clinical data, including acute symptomatic seizures and cerebral sinovenous thrombosis risk factors, were collected at diagnosis. A neuroradiologist who was unaware of the diagnosis reviewed acute imaging. At one year, outcomes including seizure recurrence, epilepsy diagnosis, antiepileptic drug use, and modified Engel score were collected. Outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin score and the King's Outcome Scale for Childhood Head Injury. ResultsTwenty-four participants with cerebral sinovenous thrombosis were enrolled (67% male, 21% neonates). Headache was the most common presenting symptom in non-neonates (47%, nine of 19). Nine (37.5%) presented with acute symptomatic seizures. Six (25%; 95% confidence interval, 10% to 47%) developed epilepsy by one-year follow-up. No clinical predictors associated with epilepsy were identified. King's Outcome Scale for Childhood Head Injury and modified Rankin scores at one year were favorable in 71%. Half of the patients who developed epilepsy (three of six) did not have infarcts, hemorrhage, or seizures identified during the acute hospitalization. ConclusionOur study provides a prospective estimate that epilepsy occurs in approximately one-quarter of patients by one year after diagnosis of cerebral sinovenous thrombosis. Later epilepsy can develop in the absence of acute seizures or parenchymal injury associated with the acute presentation.

Conservative management of neonatal cerebral sinovenous thrombosis with coexisting thrombophilia

: Neonatal cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) comprises approximately 50% of all pediatric-related CSVT. Although guidelines support anticoagulation in pediatric CSVT, the role of anticoagulation in neonatal CSVT remains controversial. This case report details the course of a neonate diagnosed with extensive CSVT and concurrent bilateral thalamic and intraventricular hemorrhage. Due to existing hemorrhage at the time of diagnosis, anticoagulation therapy was not administered. Despite coexisting protein C and antithrombin deficiency, CSVT resolved spontaneously, and neurodevelopmental follow-up after 13 years suggests a good prognosis. Although our case had a positive outcome, the association between the use of anticoagulation with concurrent hemorrhage and long-term outcome in neonatal CSVT has not been investigated in prospective studies to firmly guide optimum treatment. Current literature and guidelines for the treatment of neonatal CSVT are reviewed in this article. Until robust studies are available, expert opinion recommends anticoagulation in a stable neonate with CSVT.

Neonatal cerebral sinovenous thrombosis: the anticoagulation debate.

This commentary is on the systematic review by Rossor et al. on pages 884–891 of this issue.

Anticoagulation in the management of neonatal cerebral sinovenous thrombosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To determine whether anticoagulation therapy (ACT) in the treatment of neonatal cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) improves outcomes, in the presence or absence of pre-existing intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, the Web of Science, and clinical trial databases. We considered data from retrospective and prospective cohort studies, case series, and randomized controlled studies evaluating outcomes of CSVT treated with anticoagulation or no anticoagulation. Studies were included if they involved infants either younger than 28 days of age or younger than 44 weeks postmenstrual age at the time of diagnosis of CSVT in which ACT was considered. Seven non-randomized studies were included in meta-analysis. ACT had no significant effect on mortality before discharge either in the presence or absence of pre-existing ICH, nor on the incidence of extension of pre-existing ICH. ACT was associated with a reduced risk of propagation of thrombus (risk ratio 0.14, 95% confidence interval 0.03-0.72). There are no randomized trials assessing the safety and efficacy of ACT in the treatment of neonatal CSVT. The results of this meta-analysis would justify a position of equipoise and support the need for well-designed randomized controlled trials of ACT in this population. No randomized studies have evaluated anticoagulation therapy (ACT) in neonatal cerebral sinovenous thrombosis. ACT may reduce thrombus propagation. No evidence of increased morbidity or mortality with ACT was demonstrated. A position of equipoise is justified, supporting the need for placebo-controlled randomized trials.

Epilepsy after perinatal stroke with different vascular subtypes.

SummaryObjectiveWith an incidence up to 63 per 100,000 live births, perinatal stroke is an important cause of childhood epilepsy. The aim of the study was to find the prevalence of and predictive factors for epilepsy, and to describe the course of epilepsy in children with perinatal stroke with different vascular subtypes.MethodsPatients were retrieved from the Estonian Paediatric Stroke Database with follow‐up time at least 24 months. Patients were divided into 5 perinatal stroke syndromes: neonatal arterial ischemic stroke (AIS), neonatal hemorrhagic stroke, neonatal cerebral sinovenous thrombosis, presumed AIS, and presumed periventricular venous infarction.ResultsThe final study group included 73 children with perinatal stroke (39 boys). With a median follow‐up time of 8.6 years, epilepsy was diagnosed in 21/73 (29%) children, most of whom had AIS (17/21, 81%). The 18‐year cumulative poststroke epilepsy risk according to the Kaplan‐Meier estimator was 40.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 20.7–55.9%). The median age at epilepsy diagnosis was 50 months (range 1 month to 18.4 years). Children with neonatal AIS had the highest risk of epilepsy, but children with presumed AIS more often had severe epilepsy syndromes. Cortical lesions (odds ratio [OR] 19.7, 95% CI 2.9–133), and involvement of thalamus (OR 9.8, 95% CI 1.8–53.5) and temporal lobe (OR 8.3, 95% CI 1.8–39.6) were independently associated with poststroke epilepsy.SignificanceThe risk for poststroke epilepsy after perinatal stroke depends on the vascular subtype. Patients with perinatal AIS need close follow‐up to detect epilepsy and start with antiepileptic treatment on time.

Clinical and neuroimaging characteristics of cerebral sinovenous thrombosis in neonates undergoing cardiac surgery

ObjectivesNeonates with congenital heart disease may have an increased risk of cerebral sinovenous thrombosis, but incidence rates are lacking. This study describes the clinical and neuroimaging characteristics of cerebral sinovenous thrombosis in neonates undergoing cardiac surgery. MethodsForty neonates (78% male) requiring neonatal univentricular or biventricular cardiac repair using cardiopulmonary bypass were included. All underwent preoperative (median postnatal day 7) and postoperative (median postoperative day 7) magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, including venography, to detect cerebral sinovenous thrombosis. Clinical characteristics were compared between cerebral sinovenous thrombosis positive and cerebral sinovenous thrombosis negative neonates. ResultsPostoperatively, cerebral sinovenous thrombosis was diagnosed in 11 neonates (28%), with the transverse sinus affected in all, and involvement of multiple sinuses in 10 (91%). Preoperatively, signs of thrombosis were seen in 3 cases (8%). Focal infarction of the basal ganglia was significantly more common in cerebral sinovenous thrombosis positive than cerebral sinovenous thrombosis negative neonates (P = .025). Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis positive neonates spent more time in the intensive care unit preoperatively (P = .001), had lower weight (P = .024) and lower postmenstrual age (P = .030) at surgery, and had prolonged use of a central venous catheter (P = .023) and a catheter placed in the internal jugular vein more often (P = .039). Surgical and postoperative factors were not different between new postoperative cerebral sinovenous thrombosis positive and cerebral sinovenous thrombosis negative neonates. ConclusionsCerebral sinovenous thrombosis might be more common than previously understood in neonates undergoing cardiac surgery. In our study, cerebral sinovenous thrombosis was associated with a higher risk of additional intra-parenchymal brain injury.

Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis.

Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) is a rare but serious cerebrovascular disorder affecting children from the newborn period through childhood and adolescence. The incidence is estimated at 0.6/100,000/year, with 30–50% occurring in newborns. Causes are diverse and are highly age dependent. Acute systemic illness is the dominant risk factor among newborns. In childhood CSVT, acute infections of the head and neck such as mastoiditis are most common, followed by chronic underlying diseases such as nephrotic syndrome, cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease. Signs and symptoms are also age related. Seizures and altered mental status are the commonest manifestations in newborns. Headache, vomiting, and lethargy, sometimes with 6th nerve palsy, are the most common symptoms in children and adolescents. Recent multicenter cohort studies from North America and Europe have provided updated information on risk factors, clinical presentations, treatment practices, and outcomes. While systemic anticoagulation is the most common specific treatment used, there are wide variations and many uncertainties even among experts concerning best practice. The treatment dilemma is especially pronounced for neonatal CSVT. This is due in part to the higher prevalence of intracranial hemorrhage among newborns on the one hand, and the clear evidence that newborns suffer greater long-term neurologic morbidity on the other hand. With the advent of widespread availability and acceptance of acute endovascular therapy for arterial ischemic stroke, there is renewed interest in this therapy for children with CSVT. Limited published evidence exists regarding the benefits and risks of these invasive therapies. Therefore, the authors of current guidelines advise reserving this therapy for children with progressive and severe disease who have failed optimal medical management. As research focused on childhood cerebrovascular disease continues to grow rapidly, the future prospects for improving knowledge about this disorder should be good.