Young Females and Cerebral Venous Thrombosis

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), is an under diagnosed condition for acute or slowly progressive neurological deficit. CVT has a wide spectrum of signs and symptoms, which may evolve suddenly or over the weeks. It is clinically challenging and mimics neurological conditions, such as: meningitis, encephalopathy, benign intracranial hypertension, and stroke. We have seen 12 female patients of CVT, during 2011 – 2012. The mean age was 29.75 years (25 – 40 years old). Of the 12 females, 8 were postpartum, 2 were pregnant, one was on oral contraceptives and in one Antiphospholipid antibodies were positive. CVT cases are now being diagnosed more frequently. Newer imaging procedures have led to easier recognition of CVT, offering the opportunity for early therapeutic measures. Headache is the most frequent symptom in patients with CVT, present in about 80% of cases. Sixth cranial nerve palsy usually manifests as false localizing sign. Patients may have seizures that can be recurrent. CVT, an important cause of stroke in puerperium is frequently observed in Albania.