Multiple thrombosis of the cerebral venous sinuses, neonatal seizures, and minor parenchymal lesions: a case report and a review of the literature

Abstract

Background

Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) is a rare disease with potential catastrophic consequences. However, neonatal brain damage after venous injury and long-term neurologic outcomes have been poorly investigated. Some found an association between site and number of sinus occlusions, severity of lesions, clinical presentation and the neurodevelopmental outcome.

Case presentation

We describe the case of a term newborn girl with multiple CSVT who presented with clonic seizures and who received early treatment with heparin. MRI scans showed a progressive recanalization of deep venous system, and only minor cerebral lesions were present at 3 months of life. Neurocognitive outcome was normal at 12 months of life.

Conclusions

This case demonstrates that multiple CSVT presenting with severe seizures does not necessarily underlie major cerebral lesions or lead to severely abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome.

Keywords:

• Cerebral thrombosis
• newborn
• seizures
• cerebral MRI
• neurodevelopmental outcome

Authors’ contributions

AB, CR, IG and LB evaluated the patient at the admission and during the hospital stay. LB and MP evaluated the patient during neurodevelopmental follow-up. IG and LiL interpreted the patient EEG findings. FC interpreted the patient cerebral MRI findings; AB, LB and SP were the major contributors in writing the manuscript. LaL, LiL and LI critically reviewed the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential competing interest was reported by the author(s).