Ischemic stroke and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in pregnancy

Handb Clin Neurol. 2020:172:3-31. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-444-64240-0.00001-5.

Abstract

Maternal ischemic stroke and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) are dreaded complications of pregnancy and major contributors to maternal disability and mortality. This chapter summarizes the incidence and risk factors for maternal arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) and CVST and discusses the pathophysiology of maternal AIS and CVST. The diagnosis, treatment, and secondary preventive strategies for maternal stroke are also reviewed. Special populations at high risk of maternal stroke, including women with moyamoya disease, sickle cell disease, HIV, thrombophilia, and genetic cerebrovascular disorders, are highlighted.

Keywords: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis; Ischemic stroke; Maternal stroke; Postpartum stroke; Pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Ischemia* / complications
  • Brain Ischemia* / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Female
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight
  • Humans
  • Ischemic Stroke*
  • Pregnancy
  • Sinus Thrombosis, Intracranial* / epidemiology
  • Stroke* / epidemiology
  • Stroke* / etiology

Substances

  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight