Cerebral Venous Thrombosis: Practical Tips for Radiology Trainees

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a potentially reversible condition if diagnosed and managed effectively. However, due to its relative rarity and diverse clinical presentation, the diagnosis of CVT may be delayed. Therefore, it is crucial to enhance the proficiency of radiology trainees in interpreting neuroimaging studies to effectively detect CVT, because its diagnosis relies heavily on neuroimaging. Radiologists should be familiar with the normal radiologic anatomy of the cerebral venous system to identify the earliest subtle findings. Understanding the different parenchymal changes associated with CVT compared with arterial thrombosis and recognition of imaging pitfalls that may either mimic or obscure CVT are also vital. Moreover, recognizing the patterns of venous territories should prompt the radiologist to carefully assess the draining dural sinus or cerebral vein. Additionally, applying clinical knowledge about CVT epidemiology, predisposing factors, and clinical manifestations while interpreting imaging studies can help radiologists identify CVT, particularly when faced with nonspecific imaging findings.

Learning Objective: To emphasize the radiologist’s crucial role in diagnosing CVT and to provide practical tips to assist radiology trainees in establishing timely and accurate diagnoses.