[Cerebral venous thrombosis]

Abstract

Introduction: Although more rare than arterial thrombosis, cerebral venous thrombosis are a non-negligible cause of stroke. Characterised by the large diversity of clinical presentations and etiologies, they have a much better prognosis than arterial stroke. The evolution remains unforeseeable, with a non-negligible proportion of worsening at the acute phase and diagnosis must be early to begin as soon as possible the treatment, which is at present based on heparin therapeutics.

Current knowledge and key points: Neuroimaging examinations are essential for diagnosis of CVT. MR Imaging with MR venography is the key procedure. New sequences are on evaluation in CVT bringing some physiopathogical arguments (Diffusion weighted imaging) or help for diagnosis (with T2* MRI sequence). If D-dimers dosage is helpful for diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis, its interest remains to be determined during CVT.

Conclusion: CVT diagnosis is a challenge for the clinician. Because of the multiple causes and favorising factors, CVT are at the convergence of many specialties and could thus benefit of each one contribution for better understanding the physiopathology, improving earlier diagnosis or identifying the severe forms that could require right away more aggressive treatments than heparin. The interest of local thrombolysis or thrombectomy remains to be determined in an international randomised study.