Dural sinus and internal jugular vein thrombosis complicating a blunt head injury in a pediatric patient

• Published in: Child's nervous system 2013-08, Vol.29 (8), p.1231-1234
• Main Authors: Beer-Furlan, André, de Almeida, César Cimonari, Noleto, Gustavo, Paiva, Wellingson, Ferreira, Almir Andrade, Teixeira, Manoel Jacobsen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Brain injury; Case-Based Update; Child, Preschool; Cranial Sinuses - diagnostic imaging; Cranial Sinuses - pathology; Head Injuries, Closed - complications; Humans; Jugular Veins - diagnostic imaging; Jugular Veins - pathology; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Neurosciences; Neurosurgery; Phlebography; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Venous Thrombosis - diagnosis; Venous Thrombosis - etiology
• ISSN: 0256-7040; 1433-0350
• DOI: 10.1007/s00381-013-2184-7

Introduction Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) following a blunt head trauma is a rare condition, described in the literature along with the lack of consensus regarding diagnosis and management. Case summary We present a case of a pediatric patient with a blunt head injury and epidural hematoma, who developed dural sinus and internal jugular vein thrombosis with fatal outcome. Discussion Most of reports show good outcome and recovery, but CVST might be related to poor recovery and even lead to death. The diagnosis and management of this condition are discussed based on a literature review. Conclusion It is important to keep a high degree of suspicion of CVST since early diagnosis may prevent potentially treatable catastrophic outcomes.