Initial imaging characteristics of unenhanced CT and imaging diagnostic approach in cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and cerebral venous thrombosis
WU Mei-hui1, WANG Juan2, ZHOU Yi-cheng2
1.CT Section, Huangshi Second Hospital, Huangshi Hubei 435002, China;2.Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
Abstract：Objective: To analyze the initial imaging of unenhanced CT(UECT) in cerebral venous sinus thrombosis/cerebral venous thrombosis(CVST/CVT), and to optimize imaging diagnostic approach in order to decrease misdiagnosis. Materials and Methods: To review the initial imaging findings of UECT in 25 suspicious patients with CVST/CVT retrospectively, and to compare with MR and DSA results. The results of CVST/CVT UECT direct sign and indirect sign of initial imaging were interpreted by local radiologist and were compared with the consultant results by experienced radiologist. Results: The initial positive imaging direct signs were 13/25, the negative imaging signs were 12/25, the pseudo-positive was 3/25, the pseudo-negative was 8/25. The positive direct signs of the consultant interpretation were 21/25, the negative direct signs were 4/25, the pseudo-positive was 3/25, the negative was 4/25. There were significant difference between the two groups. The UECT initial positive imaging indirect signs of parenchymal changes were 20/25, the negative imaging signs were 5/20, the positive direct sign after consultation was 3/25, the negative sign was 4/25. There were no significant difference between the two groups. The causes of misdiagnosis of UECT initial imaging study were analyzed, and we promoted an imaging diagnostic approach. Conclusion: UECT can be an initial valuable imaging study in CVST/CVT. It showed initial direct and indirect imaging signs in most cases. These signs should be correctly interpreted in the patients with suspicious CVST/CVT. When there are positive signs on the UECT, it can be immediately followed by CTV.
2007, Vol. 18 
