A Case of Extensive Cerebral Venous Thrombosis in Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome

ABSTRACT

Nephrotic syndrome in childhood is known to be associated with a hypercoagulable state and thromboembolic complications, among which cerebral venous thrombosis is a very rare and serious one, with only a few isolated reports in the literature. A 9-year-old boy with known nephrotic syndrome was admitted due to a relapse with massive proteinuria and generalized edema. He complained of a prolonged frontal headache. The enhanced brain magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) showed a high signal in the region of the superior sagittal sinus and right transverse sinus consistent with a thrombus. He was managed with steroids, cyclosporine and warfarin. His headache subsided 2 weeks later and proteinuria resolved 1 month later. An MRI 2 months later was normal. We describe this case and review the literature to emphasize the importance of recognizing this potentially life threatening complication and initiating anticoagulation therapy.