Study to compare CT and MRI evaluation in cerebral venous thrombosis

Introduction: Cerebral venous thrombosis possible causal factors and clinical manifestations are many and varied; imaging plays a primary role in the diagnosis. Aim: The purpose of study was to compare CT and MRI findings, in evaluation of parenchymal abnormalities, recanalization. Materials and methods: It was prospective study done in 42 patients all patients with clinical suspicion of CVT, intracranial vascular malformation, and/or with intracranial hemorrhage of unclear etiology undergone a standardized MR imaging protocol, including the study protocol sequences. Results: Cerebral venous thrombosis was more common in the females; 24(57.2%) out 42 members. 20(47.6%) members had cerebral venous thrombosis. Staging chart showed majority of cases come to hospital at subacute stage; 33 (78.5%) cases. A total of 32 cases out of 42 underwent both CT and MRI. Cerebral venous thrombosis detected by MRI was 100 % in our study and diagnosed 32 out of 32 cases but CT failed to pick up the lesions in six cases. 11 Sites of thrombosis identified in these patients, Superior sagittal sinus thrombosis was most commonly involved in 78.5% cases (33 out 42). Thrombosis identified with clot on T1WI as hyper intense on 78% cases (33 out 42), Iso intense in 11% (5 out 42) and No signal intensity in 9% (4) cases. On T2 WI, hyper intense in (59%) 25 case out 42 cases, iso intensity in (19%) 8 cases, no signal intensity in 9 cases (21%). On FLAIR, clot appears on hyper signal intensity in 28 % (12 case out 42), iso intensity in 26 % (11 case in 42), no signal intensity in (45%) 19 cases. On DWI clot appears on hyper signal intensity in 26% (11) cases, is intensity in 21% (9) cases, no signal intensity in 52% (22) cases. With follow up 9 cases with complete recanalization, 2 cases with partial recanalization, no change in only one case. Conclusion: MR imaging should be used as routine imaging modality for cerebral venous thrombosis.