CT Visualization of Thrombosis of Dural Sinuses in Childhood

Summary

Based on 5 cases of cerebral sinovenous occlusion in childhood, the value of cranial computer tomography is discussed. Cranial CT, with both native and contrast enhanced scans, will provide the correct diagnosis in some cases. Characteristic CT findings are the visulization of thrombosed sinuses and veins, known as the “filled triangle” and the “cord sign” in the native scan and positive contrast enhancement signs, like the “empty triangle” with tentorial and gyral enhancement. If the CT scan is normal, or shows only noncharacteristic symptoms, cerebral angiography has to be performed to obtain the correct diagnosis as early as possible. Remarkable is the high incidence of thrombosed internal cerebral veins and superior cerebellar veins with sinus thrombosis in children. CT is the method of choice for planning of therapy and controlling studies.