Fetal dural sinus malformation: A case report and discussion of the literature

Abstract

Introduction: Fetal dural sinus malformation is a rare but important finding during pregnancy as it has the potential for significant complications.

Methods: Here we present a case of fetal dural sinus malformation and review the current literature relevant to this condition.

Results: We present the case of a 33-year-old woman who had fetal dural sinus malformation containing thrombus diagnosed at morphology ultrasound and confirmed on fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Serial ultrasounds demonstrated the sinus to reduce significantly in size over the course of the pregnancy. The woman delivered a healthy, term baby and there was no evidence of any neurological compromise in the early neonatal period.

Discussion: This case is in keeping with a recent systematic review, which identified 78 previous cases of fetal dural sinus thrombosis and reported good outcomes in most cases.

Conclusion: It therefore appears reasonable, in most cases of isolated dural sinus malformation, to monitor the progress of the lesion and continue managing the pregnancy as usual.

Keywords: fetal dural sinus thrombosis; torcular herophili thrombosis; venous sinus malformation; venous thrombosis.