Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis associated subdural hematoma: A case series on clinical presentation and management

Abstract

Diagnosis and treatment of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVT) associated with subdural hematoma (SDH) is challenging with an increased risk of rebleeding on using anticoagulation. There are no guidelines at present due to its rare presentation. In this report we describe three patients who presented with non-traumatic SDH and CVT over the last 3 years. Clinical assessment, investigations including neuroimaging, and management were reviewed both at time of admission and follow-up. These patients presented with varied CVT syndromes -isolated raised intracranial pressure (ICP), focal and diffuse encephalopathy. Neuroimaging helped in diagnosing CVT and SDH. Cases 1 and 3 had SDH alone, while case 2 had SDH along with intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Management of these patients was tailored individually as per mechanism of CVT. Case 1 was clinically stable, however, she had rebleeding after starting anticoagulation, requiring its discontinuation. Cases 2 and 3 underwent immediate neurosurgical intervention in view of deteriorated sensorium. Although CVT manifesting as SDH is rare, clinicians should have a high index of suspicion to accurately diagnose and manage these challenging cases. The decision regarding use of anticoagulation and apt time for neurosurgical intervention needs to be individualized depending on patients condition and response to treatment.

Keywords

• cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
• management
• neuroimaging
• subdural hematoma