Cerebral angiography and venography for evaluation of cerebral venous thrombosis

Abstract

Cerebral venous thrombosis is an uncommon, but important cause of stroke due to its high morbidity. Though conventional catheter based angiography is becoming replaced by newer, noninvasive imaging modalities, it still plays an important role in the evaluation of patients with suspected sinus or venous thrombosis. Techniques of angiography, normal anatomy and variants, and pathological drainage patterns are discussed in reference to thrombosis of the major dural and cortical venous structures. Knowledge of the normal drainage patterns of the cerebral venous system is essential in interpreting angiographic information obtained in the evaluation of patients with suspected cerebral venous thrombosis.