ABSTRACT
Objective To summarize the etiological,clinical and imaging characteristics of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) in children so as to provide the basis for early diagnosis and prompt treatment.Methods All the medical records including clinical manifestations,laboratory data,neuroimaging changes,treatment and short-term prognosis were analyzed retrospectively in 12 cases of CVST hospitalized in Children' s Hospital of Fudan University from Aug 2008 to May 2012.Results (1) Regarding the etiology:of the 12 cases,the causes of CVST were infection (2/12),intracranial tumor (1/12),nephrotic syndrome (2/12),cryptogenic disease (7/12).Seven out of all 12 cases without definite cause were presented subacute or chronic headache associated with progressive or acute exacerbation.Seven cases had been misdiagnosed.(2)Diagnosis:All 12 cases were made a definite diagnosis as CVST after neuroimaging examination of brain magnetic resonance imaging combined with magnetic angiography venography.(3) Short-term prognosis:all the patients were treated with anticoagulation,and 11 cases improved.Four of 7 cases with cryptogenic disease had different degrees of visual impairment,and no improvement were found after the treatment; One patient died although accepted digital subtraction angiography and balloon catheter technique.Conclusions Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis has no specific clinical manifestations and a high rate of misdiagnosis.Increased consideration and prompt magnetic angiography venography play a key role in the accurate diagnosis.Anticoagulation is safe and effective.