Value of MRI and MRV in the diagnosis of thrombosis of the cerebral veins and sinuses

Objective To investigate the diagnosis value of MRI and MRV for the cerebral venous and sinus thrombosis (CVST). Methods The clinical and imaging data were retrospectively analyzed in 16 cases of CVST. Results The involved cerebral veins and sinuses included superior sagittal sinus in 9 cases, transverse sinus in 5 cases, straight sinus in 3 cases, sigmoid sinus in 2 cases, Galen vein plus internal cerebral vein in 2 case. Conventional MRI showed the flow void signal of the venous sinus disappeared, instead abnormal signals were found. 11 cases had venous infarction in brain parenchyma, 4 cases of which were combined with hemorrhage. Gadolinium-enhanced MRI showed the filling defect in venous sinus and enhancement effect of sinus wall in 15 cases, and gyri-shape enhancement signal in brain parenchyma of 9 cases. The signs of dural sinus thrombosis on MRV included the lack of a typical high-flow signal from a sinus and stenosis. Conclusion MRI and MRV are the best choice in diagnosis and follow-up of CVST.