Dural sinus and internal jugular vein thrombosis complicating a blunt head injury in a pediatric patient

Childs Nerv Syst. 2013 Aug;29(8):1231-4. doi: 10.1007/s00381-013-2184-7. Epub 2013 Jun 9.

Abstract

Introduction: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) following a blunt head trauma is a rare condition, described in the literature along with the lack of consensus regarding diagnosis and management. We present a case of a pediatric patient with a blunt head injury and epidural hematoma, who developed dural sinus and internal jugular vein thrombosis with fatal outcome.

Discussion: Most of reports show good outcome and recovery, but CVST might be related to poor recovery and even lead to death. The diagnosis and management of this condition are discussed based on a literature review.

Conclusion: It is important to keep a high degree of suspicion of CVST since early diagnosis may prevent potentially treatable catastrophic outcomes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Cranial Sinuses / diagnostic imaging
  • Cranial Sinuses / pathology*
  • Head Injuries, Closed / complications*
  • Humans
  • Jugular Veins / diagnostic imaging
  • Jugular Veins / pathology*
  • Male
  • Phlebography
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Venous Thrombosis / diagnosis
  • Venous Thrombosis / etiology*