Postpartum fatal cerebral vein thrombosis: A case report and review

Marina Kontogiorgi, Vasiliki Kalodimou, Spyros Kollias, Demetrios Exarchos, Serafim Nanas, Abraham Ghiatas, Christina Routsi

Critical Care Department, Medical School of Athens University, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Department of Radiology, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece.
IASO Maternity Hospital, Athens, Greece.

DOI: 10.4236/ojcd.2012.21001                

Abstract

Background: Cerebral vein thrombosis, is an emergent condition presenting with a variety of symptoms ranging from isolated headache to profound coma. Case Presentation: We present the case of a previously healthy young woman on the 18th postpartum day admitted into our hospital with a persistent headache for three days followed by seizures and coma. Magnetic Resonance Angiography revealed superior sagittal sinus and right transverse sinus thrombosis. Despite supportive measures and anticoagulation, the patient died because of uncontrolled increase in intracranial pressure. Conclusion: The possibility of cerebral vein thrombosis should be considered in all women with brain dysfunction during the puerperium.

Keywords

Cerebral Vein Thrombosis; Headache; Seizure; Magnetic Resonance Angiography; Venography; Puerperium

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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