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Review
. 2024 Nov 27;41(1):7.
doi: 10.1007/s00381-024-06659-3.

Early detection of cerebral sinus venous thrombosis in an extremely low birth weight infant using cranial ultrasound-case report and literature review

Aleksandra Skubisz  1 , Anna Tomaszkiewicz  2 , Małgorzata Bocheńska  3 , Witold Błaż  3   4 , Luca Antonio Ramenghi  5
Affiliations
Review

Early detection of cerebral sinus venous thrombosis in an extremely low birth weight infant using cranial ultrasound-case report and literature review

Aleksandra Skubisz et al. Childs Nerv Syst. .

Abstract

Introduction: Cerebral sinus venous thrombosis (CSVT) is a serious condition in premature infants. Early diagnosis is crucial, as untreated CSVT can progress to severe complications such as delayed-onset intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), which could lead to poor outcomes in this population.

Research question: This case highlights that serial cranial ultrasound can detect CSVT early, enabling prompt treatment and preventing subsequent complications.

Methods and materials: We present the case of an extremely low birth weight infant diagnosed with CSVT based on cranial ultrasonography findings. The patient had no clinical symptoms or previously detected brain injury.

Results: Anticoagulant therapy was initiated immediately after diagnosis. Clot resolution was observed on cranial ultrasound after 5 days and confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on the 82 day of life (36 + 4 weeks of gestational age).

Conclusion: This case shows the significant value of cranial ultrasound as a diagnostic tool in premature infants when MRI is not immediately available. Early detection and treatment using ultrasound may help prevent severe complications.

Keywords: Brain injury; Cranial ultrasonography; Extremely low birth weight; Premature infant.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethical approval and consent to participate: The patient’s parents gave written informed consent to publish this report, as required by the journal’s patient consent policy. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Figure showing the timeline and different test results received on particular days of the patient’s life
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Cranial ultrasound imaging (diagnosing). A, B Ultrasound images taken during exam on the 16th day of life on right side (the day of CSVT diagnosis). C, D Ultrasound images taken during exam on the 16th day of life on left side
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Cranial ultrasound imaging (recanalization). A Ultrasound images obtained during the exam on the 40th day of life (the day of recognition of thrombus resolution) on right. B Ultrasound images obtained during the exam on the 40th day of life (the day of recognition of thrombus resolution) on left side
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Magnetic resonance imaging. A MRI scan, performed on the 82th day of life, right sagittal cross-section, red arrow points to transverse sinus. B MRI scan, performed on the 82th day of life, left sagittal cross-section, red arrow points to transverse sinus. C, D MR venography with visible flow in both transverse sinuses, markedly smaller on the right side
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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