Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis in Infants and Children: A Practical Approach to Management

Abstract

Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) is a rare, yet potentially devastating disorder, associated with acute complications and long-term neurologic sequelae. Consensus-based international pediatric CSVT treatment guidelines emphasize early clinical-radiologic recognition and prompt consideration for anticoagulation therapy. However, lack of clinical trials has precluded evidence-based patient selection, anticoagulant choice, optimal monitoring parameters and treatment duration. Consequently, uncertainties and controversies persist regarding anticoagulation practices in pediatric CSVT. This review focuses on commonly encountered issues that continue to pose questions and raise debates regarding anticoagulation therapy among pediatric neurologists and hematologists.