Diagnostic Efficacy of Magnetic Resonance Venography in Patients of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis – A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and objectives : To detect the diagnostic efficacy of magnetic resonance venography in clinically suspected cases of cerebral venous thrombosis. Methods : Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance venogaphy was performed in 30 patients, who were clinically suspected of cerebral venous thrombosis admitted in KLES Dr.Prabhakar Kore Hospital and MRC, Belgaum, over a period of one year. Results : Out of 30 patients 24 patients ( 80% ) had venous infarct on MRI, all 30 patients had venous thrombosis on MRV study. Out of 30 patients 18 were ( 60% ) females and 12 were males. CVT was common in age group of 21 to 40 years. Alcohol was the commonest cause of CVT in males 5 ( 16.66% ) . CVT was common in post partum females 4 ( 13.33% ) . Dehydration was next common cause in both males and females 4 ( 13.3% ) . Cause of CVT was unknown in 8 patients ( 26.66% ) . Headache was the commonest symptom present in 28 patients ( 93.33% ) . Next common symptoms were seizures 20 ( 66.6% ) , vomiting and altered sensorium in 15 patients ( 50% ) and neurodeficit in 10 patients ( 33.3% ) .superior sagittal sinus was involved in 19 patients ( 63.33% ) , transverse sinus involvement in 12 patients ( 40% ) followed by sigmoid sinus involved in 11 patients ( 36.66% ) . Hemorrhagic venous infarct was seen in 15 patients ( 50% ) . Non hemorrhagic venous infarct was present in 9 patients ( 30% ) . Cerebral oedema was present in 14 patients ( 46.66% ) . one sinus XI involvement was present in 11 patients ( 36.66% ) , two sinus involvement in 8 patients ( 26.6% ) , three sinus involvement in 8 patients ( 26.66% ) and four sinus involvement in 3 patients ( 10% ) . Out come of CVT depends on number and extent of sinus involvement. 14 patients ( 46.6% ) had fully recovered with no residual disability and 3 patients ( 10% ) expired. Glasgow coma scale below 6 associated with poor outcome. Interpretation & Conclusion : Magnetic resonance venogram is the only non invasive, safe, in-vivo diagnostic modality for cerebral venous thrombosis.