investigations
Last reviewed 01/2018
The investigation of cerebral venous thrombosis should include:
- blood cultures for infection
- lumbar puncture, which may show:
- slightly raised CSF pressure
- increased protein
- pleocytosis, indicating a spread of infection to neighbouring leptomeninges
- CT scan - so as to discriminate from cerebral abscess, which is difficult on clinical grounds alone. Delta sign - filling defect within the sinus following contrast administration - seen in superior sagittal sinus thrombosis.
- MRI scan - now succeeding CT as an investigative mode
- carotid angiography - if blockage of cavernous sinus, there may be an obvious filling defect in the venous phase after administration of contrast.