Turkish Neurosurgery 1999 , Vol 9 , Num 1-2
VENOUS MR ANGIORGAPHY AND MR IMAGING IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND FOLLOW-UP OF DURAL SINUS THROMBOSIS
Ülkü Sibel BENLİ1, Ufuk CAN1, Hakan CANER2, Nur ALTINÖRS2, Muhteşem ACILDERE3
1Başkent University Hospital, Department of Neurology, Ankara
2Başkent University Hospital Department of Neurosurgery, Ankara
3Başkent University Hospital Department of Radiology, Ankara
The purpose of this study was to determine the value of venous magnetic resonance angiography (Venous MRA) as the sole procedure for diagnosing and following up dural sinus thrombosis (DST). We also reviewed the etiology, clinical features, and therapeutic aspects of this neurological emergency. Ten patients, five males and five females, with clinical findings suggestive of DST were examined using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and venous MRA. The main symptom in adults (n=8, age: 17-55) was headache. Visual loss, convulsions, and motor signs were present in two infants. Three patients had chronic renal failure and were on a hemodialysis program. One patient was diagnosed with Behçet's disease, and another was in the postpartum period. Both infants had congenital heart disease. Infection accompanied DST in four patients. MRI revealed edema and white matter signal abnormalities in four patients. Venous MRA showed superior sagittal sinus thrombosis in 6 patients, and lateral sinus thrombosis in 10 patients. All the patients were anticoagulated, and those with infection were given antibiotic treatment. In six patients, follow-up venous MRA and/or MRI revealed recanalization. No mortality or morbidity was documented in the adults. Venous MRA and MRI are noninvasive, sensitive, and reliable techniques for early diagnosis and follow-up of DST. Keywords : Dural sinus thrombosis, magnetic resonance, venous magnetic resonance angiography
Corresponding author : Ü. Sibel Benli