Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis Diagnosis: A review on the imaging techniques

Shajareh Pour Salavati, Mohammad Amin; Payandeh, Asma; Madadi Mahani, Ali; Mousavi, Seyed Mojtaba

doi:10.22038/rcm.2025.88266.1546

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis Diagnosis: A review on the imaging techniques

Document Type : Review

Authors

Mohammad Amin Shajareh Pour Salavati ¹

Asma Payandeh ²

Ali Madadi Mahani ³

Seyed Mojtaba Mousavi ⁴

¹ Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman , Iran

² Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

³ School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.

⁴ Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

10.22038/rcm.2025.88266.1546

Abstract

Thrombosis of the venous sinuses of the brain has a low prevalence but high mortality. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is recognized as one of the most complex disorders affecting the nervous system. Consequently, the timely diagnosis and treatment of CVST are crucial for effective management and improved patient outcomes. Diagnosing cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) requires a strong clinical suspicion, which is then confirmed through imaging— typically either a CT scan or MRI with contrast-enhanced venography to detect thrombus formation in the venous sinuses. Blood tests are used to investigate potential causes, such as clotting disorders, systemic infections, or inflammatory conditions. In addition, it is important to screen for underlying prothrombotic states that could increase the risk of developing CVT. This review is going to demonstrate the aspects of CVST diagnosis and make clear view of the imaging techniques which help to find out CVST as soon as possible .

Keywords

CVST

MRI

MRV

CT scan