Mortality of Cerebral Venous–Sinus Thrombosis in a Large National Sample

Outcomes of cerebral venous thrombosis with and without COVID-19 infection

BACKGROUND

We aimed to compare outcomes of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) within 2 weeks of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection compared to those without COVID-19.

METHODS

The study included adult patients diagnosed with CVT between 2020 and 2022 in TriNetX COVID research network. They were categorized into two groups namely, CVT with COVID and CVT without COVID, based on diagnosis of COVID-19 infection within 2 weeks of CVT diagnosis. All-cause mortality, cerebrovascular and thromboembolic outcomes were assessed at one and three months. Propensity score matching was performed to control for covariates. The two groups were compared with cox proportional hazard analysis and reported as hazard ratio (HR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

547 patients with CVT and COVID and 10,450 patients with CVT without COVID met the study criteria. After matching, 544 patients were in each group. Patients with COVID-19 infection within 2 weeks prior to CVT diagnosis had twice higher risk of all-cause mortality [1 month: 35 (6.4 %) vs 15 (2.8 %); HR = 2.37; 95 % CI = 1.30-4.35 and at three months: 51 (9.4 %) vs 21 (3.9 %); HR = 2.49; 95 % CI = 1.50-4.14] and higher risk of complications of intracerebral hemorrhage [1 month: 12.3 % vs 8.3 %; HR = 1.50; 95 % CI = 1.01-2.24) and three months: 12.8 % vs 8.7 %; HR = 1.49; 95 % CI = 1.01-2.19)] and pulmonary embolism [1 month: 5.6 % vs 2.2 %; HR = 2.63; 95 % CI = 1.31-5.27 and 3 months: 6.0 % vs 2.5 %; HR = 2.39; 95 % CI = 1.25-4.59] compared to CVT without COVID.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 infection increases risk of mortality, intracerebral hemorrhage and pulmonary embolism in patients with CVT.

Direct-Acting Oral Anticoagulants in the Management of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis-Where Do We Stand?

BACKGROUND

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVT) is a rare cause of stroke, constituting 0.5-3% of all strokes with an extremely varied spectrum of presentation, predisposing factors, neuroimaging findings, and eventual outcomes. A high index of suspicion is needed because timely diagnosis can significantly alter the natural course of the disease, reduce acute complications, and improve long-term outcomes. Due to its myriad causative factors, protean presentation, and association with several systemic diseases, CVT is encountered not only by neurologists but also by emergency care practitioners, internists, hematologists, obstetricians, and pediatricians.

DISCUSSION

Anticoagulation remains the mainstay of treatment for CVT. Heparin and warfarin previously had been the anticoagulation of choice. Recently there has been an increased interest in utilizing direct-acting oral anticoagulants in the treatment of CVT given comparable safety and efficacy with ease of utilization. However recent clinical guidelines given by multiple societies including the American Stroke guidelines and European guidelines do not include these agents so far in their treatment recommendations. Ongoing multicentric clinical trials are currently reviewing the role of these agents in both short-term as well as long-term. Our review of the literature supports the safety and reinforces the efficacy of DOAC in the treatment of CVT. Additionally, patient satisfaction has been shown to be better with the use of DOAC. In conclusion, DOAC continues to have a valid role in the management of CVT.

Unmasking hidden risks: cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and spontaneous subdural hematoma in women on oral contraceptives - insights from a case report and systematic literature review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare but critical condition, particularly in young women, often linked to oral contraceptive use. It can lead to complications like subdural hematoma (SH), which are challenging to diagnose and manage. We report the case of a 39-year-old woman who presented with severe headaches and neurological symptoms, leading to a diagnosis of chronic SH and CVT, associated with long-term oral contraceptive use. This case is unique as it documents the first known instance of chronic SH associated with CVT induced by oral contraceptives. Our objective was to explore this association using the Bradford Hill criteria and to review the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of CVT and SH in this population.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature review adhering to PRISMA guidelines, focusing on SH cases linked to CVT in women using oral contraceptives.

RESULTS

Including our case, four cases of SH associated with CVT secondary to oral contraceptive use were identified. Common symptoms included severe headache and neurological deficits. All patients received anticoagulation therapy, with surgical intervention required in severe cases. Prognosis was generally favorable with appropriate management.

CONCLUSION

This case emphasizes the importance of considering CVT in women presenting with spontaneous SH, particularly those on oral contraceptives. Early diagnosis, careful clinical and radiological monitoring, and timely surgical intervention are crucial for optimal outcomes.

Inpatient Outcomes of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis in Patients With Malignancy Throughout the United States

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is associated with a high degree of morbidity and mortality. Our objective is to elucidate characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of patients with cancer and CVT (CA-CVT).

METHODS

The 2016-2019 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was queried for patients with a primary diagnosis of CVT. Patients with a currently active diagnosis of malignancy (CA-CVT) were then identified. Demographics and comorbidities were compared between CA-CVT and CVT patients. Subgroup analyses explored patients with hematopoietic cancer and non-hematopoietic cancers. Stroke severity and treatment were explored. Inpatient outcomes studied were discharge disposition, length of stay, and mortality.

RESULTS

Between 2016 and 2019, 6,140 patients had a primary diagnosis code of CVT, and 370 (6.0%) patients had a coexisting malignancy. The most common malignancy was hematopoietic (n=195, 52.7%), followed by central nervous system (n=40, 10.8%), respiratory (n=40, 10.8%), and breast (n=40, 10.8%). These patients tended to be older than non-CA-CVT and were more likely to have coexisting comorbidities. CA-CVT patients had higher severity scores on the International Study of Cerebral Vein and Dural Sinus Thrombosis Risk Score (ISCVT-RS) and increased complications. In a propensity-score matched cohort, there were no differences in inpatient outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Malignancy occurs in 6% of patients presenting with CVT and should be considered a potential comorbidity in instances where clear causes of hypercoagulabilty have not been identified. Malignancy was linked to higher mortality rates. Nonetheless, after adjusting for the severity of CVT, the outcomes for inpatients with cancer-associated CVT were comparable to those without cancer, indicating that the increased mortality associated with malignancy is probably due to more severe CVT conditions.

Cerebral Vein Thrombosis and Direct Oral Anticoagulants: A Review

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare type of cerebrovascular event in which the thrombosis occurs in a vein of the cerebral venous system. The diagnosis could be challenging due to the great clinical variability, but the outcome is favourable in most cases, especially in the case of early diagnosis. Anticoagulant therapy is the core of CVT management and currently consists of heparin in the acute phase followed by vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in the long term. The ideal duration of anticoagulant therapy is still unclear, and the same criteria for the treatment of extracerebral venous thromboembolism currently apply. In this paper, we reviewed the literature regarding the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in CVT since in recent years a considerable number of studies have been published on the use of these drugs in this specific setting. DOACs have already been shown to be equally effective with VKAs in the treatment of venous thromboembolism. In addition to efficacy, DOACs appear to have the same safety profile, being, on the other hand, more manageable, as they do not require close monitoring with continuous personalised dose adjustments. In addition, a further advantage of DOACs over VKAs is the possibility of anticoagulant prophylaxis using a reduced dosage of the drug. In conclusion, although the use of DOACs appears from preliminary studies to be effective and safe in the treatment of CVT, additional studies are needed to include these drugs in the treatment of CVT.

Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension Discovered Following Cerebral Venous Thrombosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare complication of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). We encountered a case where SIH was discovered after the diagnosis of CVT, suggesting the occurrence of CVT during the acute phase of SIH. We report this rare case of isolated cortical vein thrombosis in the acute phase of SIH. A 48-year-old woman taking low-dose oral contraceptives presented with neck pain, headache, and right-sided weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging and digital subtraction angiography confirmed isolated cortical vein thrombosis. No other specific imaging abnormalities were noted. The patient was initially treated with anticoagulation. Subsequent worsening of her orthostatic headache led to the diagnosis of SIH, with diffuse dural enhancement on gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted imaging. An epidural blood patch was performed, resulting in a favorable outcome with no neurological deficits. Although CVT can occur in the acute phase of SIH, particularly in patients with thrombophilia, the lack of characteristic imaging findings associated with SIH often complicates the diagnosis.

Cerebral Venous Thrombosis in Pediatric Age: Risk Factors and Prognosis

INTRODUCTION

 Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare but potentially fatal disease in pediatric age with an important morbimortality. In adults several factors have been associated with worse outcomes, however there are still few studies in children. This study aims to identify risk factors associated with clinical manifestations and long-term sequelae in pediatric CVT.

METHODS

 Retrospective analysis of pediatric inpatients admitted to a tertiary-care hospital due to CVT between 2008 and 2020.

RESULTS

 Fifty-four children were included, 56% male, median age of 6.5 years (9 months-17.3 years). Permanent risk factors were identified in 13 patients (malignancy, 8; hematologic condition, 5) and transient risk factors in 47, including head and neck infections (57%) and head trauma (15%). Multiple venous sinuses involvement was present in 65% and the deep venous system was affected in four patients. Seventeen percent had intracranial hemorrhage and 9% cerebral infarction. Sixty-four percent of patients with multiple venous sinuses involvement presented with severe clinical manifestations: impaired consciousness, intracranial hypertension, acute symptomatic seizures or focal deficits. Regarding long-term prognosis, six patients had major sequelae: epilepsy (n = 3), sensory motor deficits (n = 2), and cognitive impairment (n = 3). Permanent risk factors were associated with severe clinical manifestations (p = 0.043). Cerebral infarction and intracranial hemorrhage were associated with major sequelae (p = 0.006 and p = 0.03, respectively, adjusted for age and sex).

CONCLUSION

 Permanent risk factors, involvement of multiple venous sinuses, intracranial hemorrhage, and cerebral infarction, were related to worse prognosis. Detection and early management of risk factors may limit CVT extension and reduce its morbimortality.

Cerebral venous thrombosis: a practical review

The evolution of the Coronavirus Disease-2019 pandemic and its vaccination raised more attention to cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). Although CVT is less prevalent than arterial stroke, it results in larger years of life lost. CVT is more common in women and young patients. Predisposing factors are categorized as transient factors such as pregnancy, puerperium, oral contraceptive pills, trauma, and dehydration; and permanent factors such as neoplastic, vasculitic, thrombophilic, hematologic conditions, infectious causes such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection and HIV. The most common manifestations are headache, seizures, focal neurologic deficits, altered level of consciousness, and cranial nerve palsies. The most common syndromes are stroke-like, raised-intracranial-pressure (ICP), isolated-headache, and encephalopathy, which may have overlaps. Diagnosis is mostly based on computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and their respective venous sequences, supported by blood results abnormalities such as D-dimer elevation. Treatment includes the prevention of propagation of current thrombus with anticoagulation (heparin, or low molecular weight heparinoids and then warfarin, or direct oral anticoagulants), decreasing ICP (even by decompressive craniotomy), and treatment of specific underlying diseases.

Prognosis after cerebral venous thrombosis: Mortality during initial admission and at 30 days and one year after discharge in a large Canadian population-based cohort

BACKGROUND

Prognosis following cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is more favorable than other stroke types, but longer-term literature is limited, and trends over time are under-explored.

OBJECTIVE

Using administrative data, we examined factors associated with mortality in the inpatient setting, at 30 days and at one year following hospital discharge among a large consecutive cohort of Canadian patients with CVT.

DESIGN/METHODS

CVT patients from British Columbia (BC), Canada from 2000 to 2017 were identified using ICD diagnosis codes from the BC subset of the Canadian Institute for Health Information's Discharge Abstract Database. Logistic regression was used to investigate factors associated with inpatient mortality and survival analysis with Cox regression was used to explore factors associated with mortality at 30 days and one year.

RESULTS

Of 554 incident CVT patients identified, 508 (92 %) survived their index admission. Older age (OR 1.04, 95 % CI 1.03-1.06, p < 0.01) and the presence of seizures (OR 2.31, 95 % CI 1.08-4.94, p = 0.03) or intracranial bleeding (OR 2.28, 95 % CI 1.08-4.85, p = 0.03) were associated with increased odds of inpatient mortality. Mortality after hospital discharge was 3.0 % at 30 days and 9.4 % at one year. Older age (HR 1.05, 95 % CI 1.02-1.08, p < 0.01 at 30 days; HR 1.05, 95 % CI 1.04-1.07, p < 0.01 at 1 year) and having recent or active malignancy (HR 4.17, 95 % CI 1.51-11.52, p < 0.01 at 30 days; HR 4.60, 95 % CI 2.60-8.11, p < 0.01 at 1 year) were significantly associated with higher risks of mortality at 30 days and one year after discharge. There were decreases in inpatient mortality over the study period, but this was offset by higher mortality within 30 days after discharge in the later study epochs.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients discharged with a diagnosis of CVT, one-year mortality was high at 9.4 %. Older age and a history of cancer were associated with higher mortality after discharge.

Role of Decompressive Craniectomy in the Treatment of Malignant Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis: A Single Center Consecutive Case Series Study in China

OBJECTIVE

Patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) may die during the acute phase due to increased intracranial pressure and cerebral herniation. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of decompressive craniectomy in the treatment of patients with malignant CVST.

METHODS

Patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy and were consequently admitted to the Critical Care Unit, Department of Neurosurgery, at Capital Medical University Xuanwu Hospital from March 2010 to January 2021 were retrospectively examined with follow-up data at 12 months.

RESULTS

In total, 14 cases were reviewed, including 9 female and 5 male patients, aged 23-63 years (42.7 ± 12.3 years). Prior to surgery, all patients had a GCS score <9. 6 patients had a unilateral dilated pupil, while 4 patients had bilateral dilated pupils. According to the head computed tomography (CT), all patients had hemorrhagic infarction, and the median midline shift was 9.5 mm before surgery. Thirteen patients underwent unilateral decompressive craniectomy, and 1 patient underwent bilateral decompressive craniectomy, among whom, 9 patients underwent hematoma evacuation. Within 3 weeks of surgery, 3 cases (21.43%) resulted in death, with 2 patients dying from progressive intracranial hypertension and 1 from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Eleven patients (78.57%) survived after surgery, of whom 4 (28.57%) patients recovered without disability at 12-month follow-up (mRS 0-1), 2 (14.29%) patients had moderate disability (mRS 2-3), and 5 (35.71%) patients had severe disability (mRS 4-5).

CONCLUSIONS

Emergent decompressive craniectomy may provide a chance for survival and enable patients with malignant CVST to achieve an acceptable quality of life (QOL).

Case report: cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and pulmonary embolism as the initial presentation in a child with asymptomatic primary nephrotic syndrome

Background

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is rare, but potentially life-threatening. The clinical course definitely become more unpredictable and fatal in patients complicated by pulmonary embolism (PE). Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is an uncommon etiology of CVST. Concurrence of CVST and PE at the initial onset of NS is extremely unusual and rarely reported. Considering that edema might be absent in NS individuals, thromboembolic events probably become unrecognized, thereby causing a missed or delayed diagnosis and poor outcome. Herein, we described an extraordinary case of an adolescent boy presenting with both CVST and PE initially just within 5 days of disease onset, who was ultimately diagnosed with asymptomatic NS, aiming to emphasize a high index of suspicion of these diseases in patients with conditions of hypercoagulability.

Case presentation

A 13-year-old male child presented acutely with dizziness, fever and dyspnea, with signs of shock but undetected edema. Initial laboratory investigations revealed hypoalbuminemia, typical images of pneumonia, and normal radiographic findings on non-enhanced computed tomography of head. Despite evidence of hypoalbuminemia and neurological symptoms, the child was still misdiagnosed as pneumonia. His dyspnea and period of headache deteriorated even if hemodynamic stability and undetected fever after initial therapy. The delayed urinalysis and 24-h urine examination both showed massive proteinuria. A computed tomography angiography of chest along with cranial magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance venography were subsequently performed, consistent with the imaging features of PE and CVST, respectively. The diagnosis of asymptomatic primary NS complicated by PE and CVST was ultimately confirmed. The patient received corticosteroids and antithrombotic therapy with satisfactory results.

Conclusion

A persistent clinical suspicion of CVST should be borne in mind in patients with a sudden, new or worsening headache, specifically among those with prothrombotic conditions. NS should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of risk factors for CVST, even in absence of edema. Since CVST and PE can be present simultaneously at extraordinary early-onset of NS, early radiological diagnosis is clinically substantial to proper management and satisfactory long-term outcomes.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis

OBJECTIVE

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), thrombosis of the dural sinus, cerebral veins, or both, is a rare cerebrovascular disease. Although mortality rates after CVT have declined over time, this condition can result in devastating neurologic outcomes. This article reviews the latest literature regarding CVT epidemiology, details new factors associated with the development of CVT, and describes advances in CVT treatment. It also contains a discussion of future directions in the field, including novel diagnostic imaging modalities, and potential strategies to reduce the risks associated with CVT.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

The incidence of CVT may be as high as 2 per 100,000 adults per year. It remains a difficult condition to diagnose given its variable clinical manifestations and the necessity of neuroimaging for confirmation. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a novel CVT trigger, vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), as well as an association between COVID-19 infection and CVT. Although VITT is a very rare event, timely diagnosis and treatment of CVT due to VITT likely improves patient outcomes. Direct oral anticoagulants are currently being used to treat CVT and emerging data suggest that these agents are as safe and effective as vitamin K antagonists. The role of endovascular therapy to treat CVT, despite a recent clinical trial, remains unproven.

ESSENTIAL POINTS

The incidence of CVT has increased, outcomes have improved, and the use of direct oral anticoagulants to treat CVT represents an important advance in the clinical care of these patients. Rates of CVT as a complication of COVID-19 vaccines using adenoviral vectors are very low (<5 per million vaccine doses administered), with the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination far outweighing the risks.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges of Concurrent Intracranial Hemorrhage and Cerebral Venous Thrombosis in a Patient With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Case Report and Literature Review

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a cerebrovascular condition due to the thrombosis of cerebral venous sinuses, leading to intracranial hemorrhage, increased intracranial pressure, focal deficit, seizure, toxic edema, encephalopathy, and death. The diagnosis and therapeutic approach of CVST remain challenging because of its highly nonspecific clinical presentation including headaches, seizures, focal neurologic deficits, and altered mental status, etc. Anticoagulation is the mainstay of CVST treatment and should be started as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed. Here, we present the case of a 34-year-old male construction worker who presented to the emergency department with a complaint of right chest wall pain and swelling. He was admitted to the hospital following a diagnosis of anterior chest wall abscess and mediastinitis. During hospitalization, his complete blood count revealed pancytopenia with blast cells, and bone marrow biopsy revealed 78.5% lymphoid blasts by aspirate differential count and hypercellular marrow (100%) with decreased hematopoiesis. He developed concurrent CVST and intracranial hemorrhage while receiving CALGB10403 (vincristine, daunorubicin, pegaspargase, prednisone) with intrathecal cytarabine induction chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The patient failed two standard chemotherapy for ALL and achieved remission while on third-line chemotherapy with an anti-CD19 monoclonal antibody, blinatumomab. Although this patient had an MRI scan of the brain with multiple follow-up non-contrast CT scans, it was CT angiography that revealed CVST. This showed the diagnostic challenge in CVST, with CT and MRI venography having excellent sensitivity in diagnosing CVST. Risk factors for CVST in our patient were ALL and its intensive induction chemotherapy with pegaspargase.

Unique features of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia; a new anti-platelet factor 4 antibody-mediated disorder

Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a highly prothrombotic disorder caused by anti-PF4 antibodies that activate platelets and neutrophils, leading to thrombosis. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a related anti-PF4 mediated disorder, with similar pathophysiology and clinical manifestations but different triggers (i.e., heparin vs adenoviral vector vaccine). Clinically, both HIT and VITT typically present with thrombocytopenia and thrombosis, although the risk of thrombosis is significantly higher in VITT, and the thromboses occur in unusual anatomical sites (e.g., cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and hepatic vein thrombosis). The diagnostic accuracy of available laboratory testing differs between HIT and VITT; for VITT, ELISAs have better specificity compared to HIT and platelet activation assays require the addition of PF4. Treatment of VITT and HIT is anticoagulation non-heparin anticoagulants; however, heparin may be considered for VITT if no other option is available.

Prognosis and Outcome of Cerebral Sinus Venous Thrombosis—A Multicenter Cohort Study

Objectives. Cerebral sinus venous thrombosis (CSVT) is a rare stroke subtype and data regarding prognostic factors to predict outcomes are lacking. Thus, we aimed to identify predictors for outcome among CSVT patients. Materials and Methods. Prospective CSVT databases from four academic medical centers were retrospectively studied. Demographics, clinical presentations, risk factors, radiological, and outcome parameters were compared. Results. Out of 508 patients diagnosed with CSVT, 21 patients (4%) died, and 91 (18.6%) had unfavorable outcome ( $\text{mRS}\ge 2$ ). Age (55.0 vs. 38.5, $p<0.001$ ), hypertension (26% vs. 6%, $p<0.001$ ), hyperlipidemia (23% vs. 6%, $p<0.001$ ), diabetes (17% vs. 4%, $p<0.001$ ), malignancy (35% vs. 11%, $p<0.001$ ), absence of headache (51% vs. 78%, $p<0.001$ ), focal neurological deficit (54% vs. 19%, $p<0.001$ ), and ICH (28% vs. 13%, $p<0.001$ ) were all associated with unfavorable outcome. After multivariate analysis malignancy (OR 4.2, $p=0.003$ ), the presence of focal neurological deficit (OR 5.2, $p<0.001$ ) and the presence of headache upon presentation (OR 0.334, $p=0.018$ ) remained significant predictors for favorable outcome. Conclusions. Among CSVT patients, malignancy, focal neurological deficits, and absence of headache at presentation were associated with unfavorable outcomes.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis following ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

A woman in her mid-twenties was admitted with headache, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis 10 days after receiving a first dose of the AstraZeneca ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine (Vaxzevria). We report this case from clinical investigations to outcomes and discuss the issues raised by it regarding the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine.

Neurological Complications of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 Vaccines: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Manifestations

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), that reached pandemic proportions in 2020. Despite the fact that it was initially characterized by pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome, it is now clear that the nervous system is also compromised in one third of these patients. Indeed, a significant proportion of COVID-19 patients suffer nervous system damage via a plethora of mechanisms including hypoxia, coagulopathy, immune response to the virus, and the direct effect of SARS-CoV-2 on endothelial cells, neurons, astrocytes, pericytes and microglia. Additionally, a low number of previously healthy individuals develop a variety of neurological complications after receiving COVID-19 vaccines and a large proportion of COVID-19 survivors experience longlasting neuropsychiatric symptoms. In conclusion, COVID-19 is also a neurological disease, and the direct and indirect effects of the virus on the nervous system have a significant impact on the morbidity and mortality of these patients. Here we will use the concept of the neurovascular unit, assembled by endothelial cells, basement membrane, perivascular astrocytes, neurons and microglia, to review the effects of SARS-CoV-2 in the nervous system. We will then use this information to review data published to this date on the neurological manifestations of COVID-19, the post- COVID syndrome and COVID-19 vaccines.

Outcome Prediction in Cerebral Venous Thrombosis: The IN-REvASC Score

BACKGROUND

We identified risk factors, derived and validated a prognostic score for poor neurological outcome and death for use in cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT).

METHODS

We performed an international multicenter retrospective study including consecutive patients with CVT from January 2015 to December 2020. Demographic, clinical, and radiographic characteristics were collected. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to determine risk factors for poor outcome, mRS 3-6. A prognostic score was derived and validated.

RESULTS

A total of 1,025 patients were analyzed with median 375 days (interquartile range [IQR], 180 to 747) of follow-up. The median age was 44 (IQR, 32 to 58) and 62.7% were female. Multivariable analysis revealed the following factors were associated with poor outcome at 90- day follow-up: active cancer (odds ratio [OR], 11.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.62 to 27.14; P<0.001), age (OR, 1.02 per year; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.04; P=0.039), Black race (OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.10 to 4.27; P=0.025), encephalopathy or coma on presentation (OR, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.39 to 5.30; P=0.004), decreased hemoglobin (OR, 1.16 per g/dL; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.31; P=0.014), higher NIHSS on presentation (OR, 1.07 per point; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.11; P=0.002), and substance use (OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.16 to 4.71; P=0.017). The derived IN-REvASC score outperformed ISCVT-RS for the prediction of poor outcome at 90-day follow-up (area under the curve [AUC], 0.84 [95% CI, 0.79 to 0.87] vs. AUC, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.66 to 0.76], χ2 P<0.001) and mortality (AUC, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.78 to 0.90] vs. AUC, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.66 to 0.79], χ2 P=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Seven factors were associated with poor neurological outcome following CVT. The INREvASC score increased prognostic accuracy compared to ISCVT-RS. Determining patients at highest risk of poor outcome in CVT could help in clinical decision making and identify patients for targeted therapy in future clinical trials.

Adenoviral vector-based COVID-19 vaccines-associated cerebral venous sinus thromboses: Are those adverse events related to the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps?

In March and April 2021 several countries temporarily suspended vaccinations with adenoviral vector-based COVID-19 vaccines. Concerns of national regulators particularly regarded very rare cases of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis after immunization with this type of vaccine. Until now, these adverse events were interpreted as standard hypercoagulable events, but their clinical characteristics suggest that they may actually represent unique thrombotic disorders referred to as immunothrombosis. In this paper it is speculated that it is possible that immunothrombosis after this type of vaccine results from formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in veins affected by stagnant blood flow. Such a stasis occurs in individuals with anatomical variants of cerebral venous outflow, which may explain why these events are primarily seen in the cerebral veins. It has already been found that SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can evoke release of NETs. There is also a question if thrombotic events after adenoviral vector-based COVID-19 vaccines could be avoided. These vaccines will still be needed to curb COVID-19 worldwide, since they do not require transportation and storage at very low temperatures. Perhaps, vaccinations with these vaccines should be performed in combination with prophylactic administration of dipyridamole, which is an inexpensive pharmaceutical agent reducing the release of NETs.

Adverse Events and All-Cause Mortality in Danish Patients with Cerebral Venous Thrombosis: A Nationwide Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

 Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare manifestation of stroke and venous thromboembolism (VTE), compared with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). We examined whether CVT was associated with adverse cardiovascular events.

METHODS

 A Danish cohort study with adult patients diagnosed with CVT (N = 1,015) between 1997 and 2017. We matched 10 patients with VTE (DVT and PE) to each patient with CVT for age, sex, and diagnosis year. We also matched 10 individuals from the general population to each patient with CVT. We computed cumulative incidence and estimated hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) at 5 years for major bleeding, intracranial bleeding, ischemic stroke, and cardiovascular events. Death was examined separately.

RESULTS

 Major bleeding risks were 1.2% for CVT and 0.7% for VTE at 6 months; these risks increased to 2.7% and 2.6%, respectively, at 5 years. Although rare, intracranial bleeding risks were markedly higher for CVT (2.9%) than for VTE (0.4%) at 5 years (HR = 8.9, 95% CI: 5.3-15.1). Incidences of ischemic stroke were 5.9% for CVT and 0.3% for VTE, at 6 months; and 10.0% and 1.4%, respectively, at 5 years (HR = 9.5, 95% CI: 7.1-12.7). In contrast, incidence of cardiac events was lower for CVT that VTE (1.7% vs. 3.6% at 5 years). Mortality risk was higher after CVT compared with VTE, at 6 months (6.6% vs. 3.8%), but the risks differed little at 5 years (14.3% vs. 14.1%).

CONCLUSION

 Intracranial bleeding, ischemic stroke, and mortality risks were higher for patients with CVT than matched patients with VTE and the general population, particularly within 6 months after diagnosis.

Adenoviral vector-based COVID-19 vaccines-associated cerebral venous sinus thromboses: Are those adverse events related to the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps?

In March and April 2021 several countries temporarily suspended vaccinations with adenoviral vector-based COVID-19 vaccines. Concerns of national regulators particularly regarded very rare cases of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis after immunization with this type of vaccine. Until now, these adverse events were interpreted as standard hypercoagulable events, but their clinical characteristics suggest that they may actually represent unique thrombotic disorders referred to as immunothrombosis. In this paper it is speculated that it is possible that immunothrombosis after this type of vaccine results from formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in veins affected by stagnant blood flow. Such a stasis occurs in individuals with anatomical variants of cerebral venous outflow, which may explain why these events are primarily seen in the cerebral veins. It has already been found that SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can evoke release of NETs. There is also a question if thrombotic events after adenoviral vector-based COVID-19 vaccines could be avoided. These vaccines will still be needed to curb COVID-19 worldwide, since they do not require transportation and storage at very low temperatures. Perhaps, vaccinations with these vaccines should be performed in combination with prophylactic administration of dipyridamole, which is an inexpensive pharmaceutical agent reducing the release of NETs.

Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia with atypical vein thrombosis: Implications for clinical practice

OBJECTIVES

Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a new and rare syndrome resulting from the largest vaccination campaign against SARS-CoV-2 in the history of mankind. The aim of this review is to clarify underlying mechanisms, pathology, diagnosis, and therapy, with the related clinical implications.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive literature review in order to collect the clinical and treatment data about patients suffering from VITT. PubMed, Ovid Medline, Ovid EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science were screened regarding patients who developed VITT. Last search was launched on June 30^th 2021.

RESULTS

Abdominal and/or neurological symptoms develop between 5 and 20 days after vaccine administration and do not involve the lower extremities. VITT is suspected if the platelet count is lower than 100.000/mm³ and D-dimer is higher than the age-adjusted range. Medical treatment is mainly based on intravenous immunoglobulins, corticosteroids, and anticoagulant drugs with a short plasma half-life, but the complete avoidance of low molecular weight heparin is recommended. Endovascular treatment and/or decompressive craniectomy might be an option in a minority of cases.

CONCLUSION

Due to widespread vaccination concerns, the vascular specialist and phlebologist are increasingly consulted to prevent or diagnose VITT. The latter has peculiar and completely different localizations, symptoms, and treatment compared to the common pictures of venous thrombosis.

What about cerebral venous sinus thrombosis? A series of three autopsy cases

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is an uncommon cerebrovascular disorder that gained massive media attention in 2021, when an association between COVID-19 and its vaccines was found in several reported cases, raising the suspicion of a causative relation that is still debated.

Three cases of CVST unrelated to COVID-19 are reported in this article to highlight the difficulty in the early recognition and management of this condition, as it occurs in a variety of diseases with different clinical and pathological manifestations.

When the diagnosis cannot be achieved in the clinical setting, the role of the pathologist becomes essential in the determination of the cause of death and in the identification of the etiology of CVST.

During the autopsy, coordination between the physician and the forensic pathologist is crucial to correlate the clinical presentation with the pathological picture.

Epidemiology of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis with thrombocytopenia in the United States, 2018 and 2019

Background

Population-based data about cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) are limited.

Objectives

To investigate the epidemiology of CVST in the United States.

Patients/Methods

Three administrative data systems were analyzed: the 2018 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample (NIS) the 2019 IBM MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Supplemental Claims Database, and the 2019 IBM MarketScan Multi-state Medicaid Database. CVST, thrombocytopenia, and numerous comorbidities were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Incidence rates of CVST and CVST with thrombocytopenia were estimated (per 100,000 total US population [NIS] and per 100,000 population aged 0 to 64 years covered by relevant contributing health plans [MarketScan samples]). Comorbidity prevalence was estimated among CVST cases versus total inpatients in the NIS sample. Recent pregnancy prevalence was estimated for the Commercial sample.

Results

Incidence rates of CVST in NIS, Commercial, and Medicaid samples were 2.85, 2.45, and 3.16, respectively. Incidence rates of CVST with thrombocytopenia were 0.21, 0.22, and 0.16, respectively. In all samples, CVST incidence increased with age; however, peak incidence was reached at younger ages in females than males. Compared with the general inpatient population, persons with CVST had higher prevalences of hemorrhagic stroke, ischemic stroke, other venous thromboembolism (VTE), central nervous system infection, head or neck infection, prior VTE, thrombophilia, malignancy, head injury, hemorrhagic disorder, and connective tissue disorders. Women aged 18 to 49 years with CVST had a higher pregnancy prevalence than the same-aged general population.

Conclusions

Our findings provide recent and comprehensive data on the epidemiology of CVST and CVST with thrombocytopenia.

Case Report of Cerebral Sinus Thrombosis Related to Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Following Administration of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 for Vaccination against COVID-19

Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) has been recently reported after vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We present a case of a patient with fulminant CVST and thrombocytopenia after receiving the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. Although the patient received immediate anticoagulant and intravenous immune globulin treatment, he died within 24 h after hospital admission. VITT and CVST are rare conditions; however, the course may be fatal. Therefore, clinicians should be familiarized with the clinical and laboratory features of VITT.

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis Following COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review

Introduction:

COVID-19 vaccines became available after being carefully monitored in clinical trials with safety and efficacy on the human body. However, a few recipients developed unusual side effects, including cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). We aim to systematically review the baseline features, clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes in patients developing CVST post-COVID-19 vaccination.

Methods:

This study was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) 2020 guideline. Investigators independently searched PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar for English language articles published from inception up until September 10, 2021, reporting the incidence of CVST post-COVID-19 vaccines. We analyzed CVST patients’ baseline data, type of vaccines, clinical findings, treatment, and outcomes. Our systematic review process yielded patient-level data.

Result:

The final analysis included 25 studies that identified 80 patients who developed CVST after the COVID-19 vaccination. Of the 80 CVST cases, 31 (39.24%) patients died. There was no significant relationship between mortality and age (P = .733), sex (P = .095), vaccine type (P = .798), platelet count (P = .93), and comorbidities such as hypertension (P = .734) and diabetes mellitus (P = .758). However, mortality was associated with the duration of onset of CVST symptoms after vaccination (P = .022). Patients with CVST post-COVID-19 vaccination were more likely to survive if treated with an anticoagulant (P = .039). Patients who developed intracranial hemorrhage (P = .012) or thrombosis in the cortical vein (P = .021) were more likely to die.

Conclusion:

COVID-19 vaccine-associated CVST is associated with high mortality rate. Timely diagnosis and management can be lifesaving for patients.

Analyzing the Effects of Demographic Differences on Patient Outcomes Following Non-pyogenic Intracranial Venous Thrombosis

Objective: To investigate the effect of racial and demographic differences on the short-term outcome of patients following a non-pyogenic cerebral venous thrombosis.

Methods: Data from the National Inpatient Sample were gathered from the years 2013 to 2016. Patients who had a non-pyogenic cerebral venous thrombosis were identified. Admissions of patients between different racial groups were compared. Outcome measures included inpatient mortality, length of stay (LOS), all patients refined diagnosis-related group (APR-DRG) severity and mortality risk scores, non-routine discharges, total charges, sepsis, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Results: We identified 973 patients who were admitted with a non-pyogenic cerebral venous thrombosis between 2013 and 2016. Of those, 65.7% were classified as White, 15.6% as Black, 14.1% as Hispanic, and 4.6% as Asian or Pacific Islander. Compared to White patients, Black patients were found to have a higher severity score upon admission (2.94 ± 0.818 vs 2.77 ± 0.839; p = 0.025) as well as a longer adjusted LOS (8.085 ± 5.917 vs 6.503 ± 5.552; p = 0.004) and log LOS (0.934 ± 0.507 vs 0.773 ± 0.521; p = 0.001). On initial analysis, we found that older age, elevated WBC count, income group, anemia, and an expected primary payer of Medicare/Medicaid were significantly associated with Black race and also worse outcomes. When controlling for these variables using multivariate regression, older age, lower income group, and elevated WBC count were not significantly associated with any measures of outcome. The race was no longer associated with a higher APR-DRG severity score but was still significant for adjusted LOS (p = 0.001) and adjusted log LOS (p = 0.004). Lastly, we noted that anemia and the expected primary payer of Medicare/Medicaid were both independently and significantly associated with APR-DRG severity score (p = 0.003; p = 0.010) and the adjusted log LOS (p = 0.019; p = 0.035).

Conclusions: Black patients admitted with a non-pyogenic intracranial venous thrombosis have significantly longer LOS compared to White patients. Anemia and Medicare/Medicaid as the primary expected payer also seem to play a role in longer LOS, as well as the severity of the case.

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis and Thrombotic Events After Vector-Based COVID-19 Vaccines: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

There is accumulating evidence supporting an association between the thrombosis and thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) and adenovirus vector-based vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Yet TTS and TTS-associated cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) remain poorly characterized. We aim to systematically evaluate the proportion of CVST among TTS cases and assess its characteristics and outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials, cohorts, case series, and registry-based studies with the aim to assess (1) the pooled mortality rate of CVST, TTS-associated CVST, and TTS and (2) the pooled proportion of patients with CVST among patients with any thrombotic event and TTS. Secondary outcomes comprised clinical characteristics of patients with postvaccination thrombotic event. This meta-analysis is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and was written according to the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology proposal.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine studies were included in the qualitative analysis comprising 370 patients with CVST out of 4,182 patients with any thrombotic event associated with SARS-CoV-2 vector-based vaccine administration. Twenty-three studies were included further in quantitative meta-analysis. Among TTS cases, the pooled proportion of CVST was 51% (95% confidence interval [CI] 36%-66%; I ² = 61%). TTS was independently associated with a higher likelihood of CVST when compared to patients without TTS with thrombotic events after vaccination (odds ratio 13.8; 95% CI 2.0-97.3; I ² = 78%). The pooled mortality rates of TTS and TTS-associated CVST were 28% (95% CI 21%-36%) and 38% (95% CI 27%-49%), respectively. Thrombotic complications developed within 2 weeks of exposure to vector-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines (mean interval 10 days; 95% CI 8-12) and affected predominantly women (69%; 95% CI 60%-77%) under age 45, even in the absence of prothrombotic risk factors.

DISCUSSION

Approximately half of patients with TTS present with CVST; almost one-third of patients with TTS do not survive. Further research is required to identify independent predictors of TTS following adenovirus vector-based vaccination.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

The prespecified study protocol has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Ongoing Systematic Reviews PROSPERO (CRD42021250709).

Incidence Rates and Case-Fatality Rates of Cerebral Vein Thrombosis: A Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cerebral vein thrombosis (CVT) incidence is estimated to be >10 per 1 000 000 per year. Few population-based studies investigating case-fatality rates (CFRs) and pyogenic/nonpyogenic CVT incidence are available. We assessed trends in CVT incidence between 2002 and 2012, as well as adjusted in-hospital CFRs and incidence of hospital admissions for pyogenic/nonpyogenic CVT in a large Northwestern Italian epidemiological study.

METHODS

Primary and secondary discharge diagnoses of pyogenic/nonpyogenic CVT were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes 325, 671.5, and 437.6. Age, sex, vital status at discharge, length of hospital stay, and up to 5 secondary discharge diagnoses were collected. Concomitant presence of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) was registered, and comorbidities were assessed through the Charlson comorbidity index.

RESULTS

A total of 1718 patients were hospitalized for CVT (1147 females-66.8%; 810 pyogenic and 908 nonpyogenic CVT, 47.1% and 52.9%, respectively), with 134 patients (7.8%) experiencing a concomitant ICH. The overall incidence rate for CVT was 11.6 per 1 000 000 inhabitants with a sex-specific rate of 15.1 and 7.8 per 1 000 000 in females and males, respectively. CVT incidence significantly increased in women during time of observation (P=0.007), with the highest incidence being at 40 to 44 years (27.0 cases per 1 000 000). In-hospital CFR was 3%, with no difference between pyogenic/nonpyogenic CVT. Patients with concomitant ICH had a higher in-hospital CFR compared with patients without ICH (7.5% versus 2.7%; odds ratio, 2.96 [95% CI, 1.45-6.04]). In-hospital CFR progressively increased with increasing Charlson comorbidity index (P=0.003). Age (odds ratio, 1.03 [95% CI, 1.02-1.05]), Charlson comorbidity index ≥4 (odds ratio, 4.33 [95% CI, 1.29-14.52]), and ICH (odds ratio, 3.05 [95% CI, 1.40-6.62]) were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large epidemiological study, CVT incidence was found to be comparable to the one registered in population-based studies reported after the year 2000. CVT incidence increased among women over time. In-hospital CFR was low, but not negligible, in patients with concomitant ICH. Age, ICH, and a high number of comorbidities were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Pyogenic CVT was not a predictor of in-hospital CFR, although its high proportion was not confirmed by internal validation.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and thrombocytopenia after COVID-19 vaccination - A report of two UK cases

Recent reports have highlighted rare, and sometimes fatal, cases of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) and thrombocytopenia following the Vaxzevria vaccine. An underlying immunological mechanism similar to that of spontaneous heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is suspected, with the identification of antibodies to platelet factor-4 (PF4), but without previous heparin exposure. This unusual mechanism has significant implications for the management approach used, which differs from usual treatment of CVST. We describe the cases of two young males, who developed severe thrombocytopenia and fatal CVST following the first dose of Vaxzevria. Both presented with a headache, with subsequent rapid neurological deterioration. One patient underwent PF4 antibody testing, which was positive. A rapid vaccination programme is essential in helping to control the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, it is vital that such COVID-19 vaccine-associated events, which at this stage appear to be very rare, are viewed through this lens. However, some cases have proved fatal. It is critical that clinicians are alerted to the emergence of such events to facilitate appropriate management. Patients presenting with CVST features and thrombocytopenia post-vaccination should undergo PF4 antibody testing and be managed in a similar fashion to HIT, in particular avoiding heparin and platelet transfusions.

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis in COVID-19 Patients: A Multicenter Study and Review of Literature

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 infection has been known to predispose patients to both arterial and venous thromboembolic events such as deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, and stroke. A few reports from the literature suggest that Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVSTs) may be a direct complication of COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE

To review the clinical and radiological presentation of COVID-19 positive patients diagnosed with CVST.

METHODS

This was a multicenter, cross-sectional, retrospective study of patients diagnosed with CVST and COVID-19 reviewed from March 1, 2020 to November 8, 2020. We evaluated their clinical presentations, risk factors, clinical management, and outcome. We reviewed all published cases of CVST in patients with COVID-19 infection from January 1, 2020 to November 13, 2020.

RESULTS

There were 8 patients diagnosed with CVST and COVID-19 during the study period at 7 out of 31 participating centers. Patients in our case series were mostly female (7/8, 87.5%). Most patients presented with non-specific symptoms such as headache (50%), fever (50%), and gastrointestinal symptoms (75%). Several patients presented with focal neurologic deficits (2/8, 25%) or decreased consciousness (2/8, 25%). D-dimer and inflammatory biomarkers were significantly elevated relative to reference ranges in patients with available laboratory data. The superior sagittal and transverse sinuses were the most common sites for acute CVST formation (6/8, 75%). Median time to onset of focal neurologic deficit from initial COVID-19 diagnosis was 3 days (interquartile range 0.75-3 days). Median time from onset of COVID-19 symptoms to CVST radiologic diagnosis was 11 days (interquartile range 6-16.75 days). Mortality was low in this cohort (1/8 or 12.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians should consider the risk of acute CVST in patients positive for COVID-19, especially if neurological symptoms develop.

Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 12 at Admission is a Predictor of Poor Functional Outcome (mRS 2-6) at One Year in Patients with Cerebral Venous Thrombosis

OBJECTIVE

To determine factors at hospitalization of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) which determine outcome at one year.

METHODS

This was an ambispective study with outcome at one year follow up. Patients angiographically proven as CVT were included in study and functional modified Rankin Scale (mRS) determined at one year. They were dichotomized into "good" outcome (mRS 0-1) and "poor" outcome (mRS 2-6). Variables at admission were compared on univariate and then by cox proportional hazard regression for significance. Complications during follow up period were also compared.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy five patients were included, data of 71 was collected prospectively. One hundred and seventeen (66.9%) had "good" outcome while 58 (33.1%) had "poor" outcome. Univariate analysis showed poor outcome associated with age < 30 years, female sex, focal deficit, GCS ≤ 12, ≥3 sinuses involved and intracerebral haemorrhage. On Cox proportional hazard regression only GCS ≤ 12 was significant. Around 96% had complete/ partial recanalization at 6 months. Over one year, the complications included dural AV fistula in 10 (5.7%), intracranial hypertension in 4 (2.3%), venous thromboembolism in 6 (3.4%) and arterial infarct in 4 (2.3%). Proportions with complications in each group were similar. At one year 41 patients (25.2%) were continued on anticoagulation and 97 (55.2%) on antiepileptic drugs. Proportion in each group were similar.

CONCLUSION

In patients with CVT, GCS ≤ 12 at admission was a predictor of poor functional outcome (mRS 2-6) at one year. During this period, complications were few and similar in the both the groups.

Clinical Characteristics and Management of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis in Patients With Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a relatively rare phenomenon, and this observational study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of APS patients complicated with CVST. We retrospectively investigated the clinical characteristics of CVST events in APS and compared differential characteristics and associated factors between APS patients with and without CVST. Twenty-one CVST patients with APS were enrolled including 14 females (9.4%) and 7 males (5.8%). The median age and disease duration at onset of CVST was 33 years (IQR 28-48) old and 1.3 months (IQR 0.7-4), respectively. Among APS patients with CVST, 12 (57.1%) cases presented with neurologic symptoms of CVST as the initial manifestation. Onset of CVST was mainly chronic (52.4%). Headache (90.5%) was the most common neurological symptom. The common locations of CVST were transverse sinus (76.2%) and superior sagittal sinus (57.1%), with more frequently (76.2%) dual or multiple sinuses involved. All patients with CVST were treated with anticoagulant, and 5 (23.8%) patients received endovascular therapy. Sixteen (84.2%) patients had good outcomes and 3 (15.8%) patients died at last follow-up. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between two groups in the analysis of related APS indicators. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between two groups in the analysis of related APS indicators. Although APS complicated with CVST is rare and predominately chronic developed. The evaluation of CVST should be performed for APS patients with intracranial hypertension syndrome. The routine screening of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) is highly recommended in unexplained CVST patients. Most CVST patients with APS will have a good prognosis after treatment, and endovascular therapy is an alternative treatment.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis associated with COVID-19: a case series and literature review

BACKGROUND

Since the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic, several cases of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) have been reported in SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with documented SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as clinical and radiological characteristics of CVST, were reported from three teaching hospitals in the South West, North West, and the center of Iran between June and July 2020. We also searched the abstract archives until the end of August 2020 and gathered 28 reported cases. The diagnostic criteria for SARS-CoV-2 infection were determined according to SARS-CoV-2 detection in oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal samples in clinically suspected patients. Demographics, prominent COVID-19 symptoms, confirmatory tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection diagnosis, the interval between the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and CVST, clinical and radiological features of CVST, therapeutic strategies, CVST outcomes, rate of hemorrhagic transformation, and mortality rate were investigated.

RESULTS

Six patients (31-62 years-old) with confirmed CVST and SARS-CoV-2 infection were admitted to our centers. Four patients had no respiratory symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Five patients developed the clinical manifestations of CVST and SARS-CoV-2 infection simultaneously. Three patients had known predisposing factors for CVST. Despite receiving CVST and SARS-CoV-2 infection treatments, four patients died. SARS-COV-2 associated CVST patients were older (49.26 vs. 37.77 years-old), had lower female/male ratio (1.42 vs. 2.19), and higher mortality rate (35.29% vs. 6.07%) than CVST not associated with COVID-19.

CONCLUSIONS

The role of SARS-CoV-2 as a "cause" versus an "additive contributor" remains to be elucidated. Practitioners should be aware of the possibility of CVST in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

An assessment of cerebral venous thrombosis risk factors and associated clinical outcomes in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia

Objectives:

To assess cerebral venous thrombosis risk factors, and associated clinical outcomes in Jazan region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

This study is a retrospective review of the medical records of patients diagnosed with cerebral venous thrombosis and admitted to King Fahad Central Hospital in Jazan between 2010 and 2019. Data concerning socio-demographics, clinical features, risk factors, laboratory, and imaging investigations were retrieved. Furthermore, data about cases management, and outcomes, including death, were collected and analysed.

Results:

A total of 51 medical records were identified. The majority of the patients were females (68.6%), and the mean age of the patients was 33.3 years, of which three patients were under 18 years old. The most frequently recorded symptom was headache (76.5%), followed by seizure (45.1%). The most commonly recorded risk factor was protein S deficiency (57%), followed by anaemia (51%). Venous infarction and haemorrhage were the most common acute complications (13.7%). The majority of the patients had a favourable prognosis where only 27.5% recovered with disability and only one patient died due to the disease.

Conclusion:

Clinical presentation of cerebral venous thrombosis in Jazan region is similar to other local and international studies. However, anaemia was recorded as a main risk factor for the disease, which might require further investigation to assess the possible association between prevalence of anaemia in Jazan region and the incidence of cerebral venous thrombosis.

A rare complication of cerebral venous thrombosis during simple percutaneous coronary intervention: A case report

RATIONALE

Cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), although rare, are associated with high in-hospital morbidity and mortality rates. Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is an uncommon cause of CVAs compared with arterial disease but is associated with favorable outcomes in most cases. We present a rare case of CVT following a simple PCI procedure with stent implantation, which has not been previously reported in the literature.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 78-year-old woman with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and coronary artery disease received simple PCI with stent implantation. After PCI, she developed a throbbing headache with nausea and vomiting, with her blood pressure increasing to 190/100 mmHg. Drowsiness, disorientation, and neck stiffness were noted. Neurological complication due to the PCI procedure was highly suspected.

DIAGNOSIS

Noncontrast brain computed tomography was performed along with emergency neurological consultation, and the patient was diagnosed as having acute CVT.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was treated with anti-intracranial pressure therapy and anticoagulation therapy through low-molecular-weight heparin and was subsequently treated with warfarin.

OUTCOMES

After treatment, the patient's symptoms and signs gradually subsided, and her clinical condition improved. She was discharged with full recovery thereafter.

LESSONS

A case of acute CVT, a rare, and atypical manifestation of venous thromboembolism and CVA, complicated simple PCI with stent implantation. During PCI, identifying patients with a high risk of a CVA is critical, and special care should be taken to prevent this devastating complication.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis associated with SARS-CoV-2; a multinational case series

BACKGROUND

SARS-CoV-2 induced coagulopathy can lead to thrombotic complications such as stroke. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a less common type of stroke which might be triggered by COVID-19. We present a series of CVST cases with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

METHODS

In a multinational retrospective study, we collected all cases of CVST in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients admitted to nine tertiary stroke centers from the beginning of the pandemic to June 30th, 2020. We compared the demographics, clinical and radiological characteristics, risk factors, and outcome of these patients with a control group of non-SARS-CoV-2 infected CVST patients in the same seasonal period of the years 2012-2016 from the country where the majority of cases were recruited.

RESULTS

A total of 13 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria (62% women, mean age 50.9 ± 11.2 years). Six patients were discharged with good outcomes (mRS ≤ 2) and three patients died in hospital. Compared to the control group, the SARS-CoV-2 infected patients were significantly older (50.9 versus 36.7 years, p < 0.001), had a lower rate of identified CVST risk factors (23.1% versus 84.2%, p < 0.001), had more frequent cortical vein involvement (38.5% versus 10.5%, p: 0.025), and a non-significant higher rate of in-hospital mortality (23.1% versus 5.3%, p: 0.073).

CONCLUSION

CVST should be considered as potential comorbidity in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients presenting with neurological symptoms. Our data suggest that compared to non-SARS-CoV-2 infected patients, CVST occurs in older patients, with lower rates of known CVST risk factors and might lead to a poorer outcome in the SARS-CoV-2 infected group.

Factors influencing therapy choice and clinical outcome in cerebral venous sinus thrombosis

We aimed was to assess the factors influencing therapy choice and clinical outcome after 3-4 months in patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). In a retrospective, bi-centric study, the set consisted of 82 consecutive CVST patients (61 females; mean age 33.5 ± 15.7 years). Following data were collected: baseline characteristics, presence of gender-specific risk factors (GSRF), location and extent of venous sinus impairment, clinical presentation, type of treatment, recanalization, presence of parenchymal lesions, and clinical outcome after 3-4 months (assessed using the modified Rankin Scale [mRS], with excellent outcome defined as mRS 0-1). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used for statistical evaluation. After 3-4 months, complete recovery was achieved in 41 (50%) and excellent clinical outcome in 67 (81.7%) patients. Female sex (OR 0.11; p = 0.0189) and presence of focal neurologic deficit (OR 0.16; p = 0.0165) were identified as significant independent negative predictors and, the presence of GSRF (OR 15.63; p = 0.0011) as significant independent positive predictor of excellent clinical outcome. In conclusion, in our CVST patients, the presence of GSRF was associated with excellent clinical outcome, while the female sex itself was associated with poorer clinical outcome.

Patterns of Care and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Cerebral Sinus Venous Thrombosis

OBJECTIVES

To explore the association between rurality, transfer patterns and level of care with clinical outcomes of CVST patients in a rural Midwestern state.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CVST patients admitted to the hospitals between 2005 and 2014 were identified by inpatient diagnosis codes from statewide administrative claims dataset. Records were linked across interhospital transfers using probabilistic linkage. Rurality was defined by Rural-Urban Commuting Areas using the 2-category approximation. Driving distances were estimated using GoogleMaps Application Programming Interface. Hospital stroke certification was defined by the Joint Commission. Severity of CVST was estimated by cost of care corrected for inflation and cost-to-charge ratios. Outcome was discharge disposition and total length of stay (LOS). Wilcoxon rank-sum, Chi-square, Fisher's exact tests and linear and logistic regressions were used.

RESULTS

168 CVST patients were identified (79.8% female; median age = 32, IQR = 24.0-45.5). Median LOS was four days (IQR = 2-7) and patients traveled a median of 8.1 miles (IQR = 2.5-28.5) to the first hospital; 42% of patients were transferred to a second hospital, 5% to a third. More than half (58.3%) bypassed the nearest hospital. 86% visit a primary or comprehensive stroke center (CSC) during their acute care. Rurality was not significantly associated with LOS or discharge disposition after adjusting for age, sex and cost of care. Patients in CSC demonstrated greater likelihood of being discharged home compared to at a primary stroke center after adjusting for age and disease severity (p = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

While rurality was not significantly associated with LOS or disposition outcome, care at a CSC increases likelihood of being discharge home.

Clinical and radiological characteristics and predictors of outcome of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, a hospital-based study

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is an uncommon cause of stroke, which is more prevalent in Iran and the Middle East. We aimed to assess the etiology, radiologic, and clinical manifestations of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, specifically the predictors of patients' outcome in Namazi hospital, Shiraz, Iran. In this retrospective study, we included all adult patients with the diagnosis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, who were admitted in hospital, from 2012 to 2016. Demographic data, radiologic findings, clinical presentation, risk factors, treatment, and outcome according to modified Rankin Scale (mRS) on discharge were assessed and the factors associated with hospital fatality and poor outcome (mRS > 2) were investigated through univariable and multivariable analyses. Adjusted odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI), and p values were reported. Among 174 patients, 128 (73.6%) were female. The mean age was 37.8 ± 11.2. Total of 39 patients (22.4%) had poor discharge outcome and nine patients died in hospital. Older age (OR = 1.041, CI = 1.000-1.08), decreased level of consciousness (OR = 5.46, CI = 2.17-13.72), focal neurologic deficit (OR = 5.63, CI = 2.14-14.77), and expansion of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) (OR = 9.13, CI = 1.96-42.64) were predictors of poor outcome according to the logistic regression model. Older age (p = 0.02), focal neurologic deficit (p = 0.005), deep venous system thrombosis (p = 0.002), early intracranial hemorrhage (p = 0.049), delayed hemorrhage (p = 0.007) and hemorrhage expansion (p = 0.002), infratentorial hemorrhagic lesions (p = 0.005), and higher CRP (p = 0.011) were associated with hospital fatality. The patients with gynecologic risk factors were at lower risk of hospital death (p = 0.005). Age, decreased consciousness and focal neurological deficit on admission, and expanded intracranial hemorrhage are predictors of poor outcome. The patients who are at higher risk of unfavorable outcome should be recognized and closely monitored.

Isolated headache and its association with characteristics and outcome of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis

We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcome, hospital stay, and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) development of patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) who presented with isolated headache. In a retrospective study, consecutive patients with a definite diagnosis of CVST referred to Namazi hospital (Shiraz University of Medical Sciences) from 2012 to 2016 were included. Clinical, radiological, and prognostic characteristics and outcome on discharge (using modified Rankin Scale (mRS)) were compared between the CVST patients who presented with isolated headache and other CVST patients through univariate analyses. The associations of isolated headache with poor outcome (mRS > 2), presence or development of ICH, and duration of hospital stay were assessed through multivariable analyses. Of the 174 patients, 45 (26.0%) presented with isolated headache. Presence of isolated headache was more frequent in men ( p value = 0.048) and patients with thrombophilia ( p value = 0.040). Lateral sinus involvement was more common in patients with isolated headache ( p value = 0.005). After adjustment for other variables, the isolated headache was significantly associated with shorter hospital stay (odds ratio (OR): 0.85, confidence interval (CI): 0.73–0.99) and lower risk of early ICH (OR: 0.314, CI: 0.132–0.749). Although poor outcome was significantly less frequent in patients with isolated headache on univariate analysis ( p value < 0.001), this association was not significant in multivariable analysis (OR: 0.324, CI: 0.035–2.985). CVST patients with isolated headache had lower ICH events and shorter hospital stay. CVST should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis in certain patients who present only with headache, particularly those with diffuse progressive headache, or underlying provocative conditions.

Suspected adverse reaction to compounded preparations prescribed for weight loss: two cases of cerebral venous thrombosis

We report two cases of cerebral venous thrombosis associated with the use of compounded preparations containing several active substances prescribed for weight loss. In both cases there is suspicion of additive/synergic interaction with oral contraceptives. The adverse drug reactions were considered serious, being life-threatening and causing hospitalisation for days.

Early, delayed, and expanded intracranial hemorrhage in cerebral venous thrombosis

OBJECTIVES

One of the most important prognostic factors of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). We studied the risk factors, clinical, and radiologic characteristics of early, delayed, and expanded ICH in Iranian patients with CVST.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a retrospective study, from August 2012 to September 2016, all adult patients with a confirmed diagnosis of CVST were recruited. Demographic, clinical, and radiologic characteristics of the patients were recorded. The predictors of early, delayed, and expanded ICH were assessed through logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Among 174 eligible patients, 35.1% of the patients had early ICH. Delayed and expanded hemorrhage occurred in 5% and 7.4% of the patients, respectively. Higher age was a risk factor (odds ratio [OR] = 1.038, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.008-1.069), and involvement of multiple sinuses/veins was associated with lower risk of early ICH (OR = 0.432, CI = 0.226-0.827). The risk of delayed ICH was higher in the patients with early hemorrhage (OR = 4.44, CI: 0.990-19.94), men (OR = 4.18, CI: 0.919-19.05), and those with a focal neurologic deficit on admission (OR = 16.05, CI: 1.82-141.39). Acute onset was the predictor of the expansion of early ICH (OR = 8.92, CI: 1.81-43.77), whereas female gender-related conditions were associated with a lower risk of hemorrhage expansion (OR = 0.138, CI: 0.025-0.770). Administration of anticoagulants was associated with neither delayed (P value = .140) nor expanded hemorrhage (P-value = .623).

CONCLUSIONS

Male gender, early hemorrhages, acute onset, and presence of focal neurologic deficit are the risk factors for delayed and/or expanded hemorrhages in the patients with CVST.

Association of admission clinical predictors and functional outcome in patients with Cerebral Venous and Dural Sinus Thrombosis

OBJECTIVES

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare subtype of stroke that most commonly affects younger women. While most patients treated with anticoagulation therapy have good outcomes, a significant number go on to experience disability. The primary aim of this study was to identify objective, easily reproducible, clinical admission predictors of poor outcome at discharge in patients with CVST.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of adult CVST patients admitted at our comprehensive stroke center between April 2004 and December 2017. The medical records of patients with a CVST discharge diagnosis code were reviewed for diagnosis confirmation and extraction of clinical and demographic admission data. Multivariable logistic regression was used to build predictive models of objective, standardized examination signs and adjusted for confounders. The primary endpoint was modified Rankin Scale score at discharge defined as good outcome (0-2) and poor outcome (3-6). Mortality was the secondary endpoint.

RESULTS

A total of 176 CVST patients were identified. Most patients were white (91 %) and female (65 %). The median age was 40 years old. Headache was the most commonly reported symptom (74 %). Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) was present in 27 % of patients, venous infarct occurred in 22 % of the patients, and 12 % had both. Age (OR = 1.03, 95 % CI 1.01-1.05), abnormal level of consciousness (OR = 4.38, 95 % CI 1.86-8.88), and focal motor deficits (OR = 3.49, 95 % CI 1.49-8.15) were found to be predictive of poor functional outcome. Pre-hospitalization infections (OR = 5.22, 95 % CI 1.51-18.07) and abnormal level of consciousness (OR = 9.22, 95 % CI 2.34-36.40) were significant predictors of mortality. The predictive effect remained significant after adjusting by median PTT level, presence of intracranial hemorrhage, and venous infarct.

CONCLUSIONS

Age, abnormal level of consciousness, and focal motor deficits identified at admission are independently associated with poor outcome in CVST patients. These frequently prevalent, easily reproducible examination signs represent the first step to develop a clinical prediction tool toward stratifying CVST patients with poor prognosis at admission.

Cerebral venous thrombosis in adults

Summary. Thromboses of cerebral veins and/or sinuses (CVT) encompass a clinically rather heterogenous, relatively rare entity, which is nonetheless an important cause of stroke in the young. While until the mid of the last century the prognosis of CVT was thought to be poor or even fatal in the majority of cases, the advance and wider use of modern imaging technology since the early 1980s, together with the results of registries and population-based studies, revealed that CVT is more frequent and less life-threatening than previously assumed. However, because headache is frequently the only symptom, many oligosymptomatic cases might be overlooked. Both, CT- and MR-venography are suitable methods to confirm or rule out CVT, while the sensitivity of laboratory tests (D-dimer) alone is too low to rely on. Despite low evidence anticoagulation remains the treatment of choice during the acute phase and for secondary prevention.

Management of Venous Sinus Thrombosis

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare subtype of cerebrovascular disease representing 0.5% of strokes. The signs and symptoms of CVST are often nonspecific, and variable in duration, with the common results being delayed diagnosis and treatment. Increased awareness in the medical community and advancements in imaging modalities have produced faster diagnosis with improved patient outcomes. The preferred initial treatment is with a low molecular weight heparin. After the acute stage of CVST, treatment with a vitamin K antagonist (oral anticoagulant therapy) is recommended. Current evidence suggests that in the future, factor Xa inhibitor drugs may be used for long-term therapy.