Cerebral Venous Thrombosis: An Update on Diagnosis and Management
David Enrique Barbero Jiménez1*, Judit Villamor Rodríguez1, María Helena González Gómez1, Francisco Javier Sánchez García1, Elena Gismera Fontes1
1Hospital Universitario de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Spain.
*Corresponding Author: David Enrique Barbero Jimenez, Hospital Universitario de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Spain.
https://doi.org/10.58624/SVOANE.2025.06.027
Received: October 03, 2025
Published: November 12, 2025
Citation: Barbero Jimenez DE, Villamor Rodríguez J, Gonza lez Gomez MH, Sa nchez García FJ, Gismera Fontes E. Cerebral Venous Thrombosis: An Update on Diagnosis and Management. SVOA Neurology 2025, 6:5, 156-166. doi. 10.58624/SVOANE.2025.06.027
Abstract
Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is an uncommon but significant cause of stroke, accounting for approximately 0.5–3% of all cerebrovascular events. It results from thrombosis within the cerebral venous system, leading to increased venous pressure, venous congestion, cerebral edema, and potentially venous infarction. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the anatomy, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic strategies, and therapeutic management of CVT. Diagnosis relies heavily on neuroimaging, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with magnetic resonance venography (MRV) representing the gold standard. Anticoagulation remains the cornerstone of therapy, even in cases with intracerebral hemorrhage, with low-molecular-weight heparin preferred during the acute phase and transition to oral anticoagulants thereafter. Direct oral anticoagulants have emerged as safe and effective alternatives to vitamin K antagonists. Early recognition and treatment significantly improve prognosis, with 80–90% of patients achieving favorable neurological recovery. However, delays in diagnosis and inadequate management of risk factors can lead to severe complications or mortality. Ongoing research continues to refine treatment duration and preventive strategies, especially in high-risk populations such as pregnant women, cancer patients, and individuals with thrombophilia.
Keywords: Cerebral venous thrombosis; Venous sinus thrombosis; Stroke; Anticoagulation; Diagnosis; MRI; Risk factors; Intracranial hypertension; Prognosis.
