MRI in neonatal dural sinus thrombosis

Abstract

Dural sinus thrombosis in the newborn period is a rare but underrecognized condition which may cause seizures, macrocephaly, lethargy, and respiratory depression. A 10-day-old term infant with no pre- or perinatal risk factors for thrombosis presented with seizures and was found to have dural sinus thrombosis on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). One week later, MRI revealed partial resolution and 3 weeks later disclosed a complete resolution of the thrombosis. Clinicians should consider the diagnosis of neonatal dural sinus thrombosis in infants presenting with seizures and/or increased intracranial pressure even in the absence of risk factors or when the cranial computed tomography is normal. MRI is the most sensitive diagnostic tool to establish the diagnosis and permit a noninvasive follow-up, contributing to our understanding of the natural history, associated pathology, and prognosis of this condition.