Abstract

Cerebrovascular venous thrombosis is an uncommon entity that may occur in the sinuses of the dura, the cortical veins, or the deep venous system. Common etiologies include states of hypercoagulability, such as oral contraceptives intake, malignancy, and trauma. Additional causes include inherent thrombophilic states, such as those caused by systemic lupus erythematosus, protein C or S deficiency, and antithrombin III deficiency. The pathogenesis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis stems from the obstruction of venous outflow. Consequently, venous engorgement occurs, leading to decreased effective blood flow and white matter edema. Infarction or hemorrhage are not uncommon in the setting of venous thrombosis. Intracranial pressure also rises. The most common presenting symptom is headache.2,3

The impact of intracranial hypotension due to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak on venous flow and thrombosis is not clear.1, 4-8, 10, 11 We present the case and treatment course of a patient who initially presented with an acute venous sinus thrombosis and in was later found to have a CSF leak and intracranial hypotension.

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