An Illustrative Case of Vein of Labbe Thrombosis Presented as a Glioma

Cerebral vein thrombosis is a unique and rare type of cerebrovascular disease. The main challenge in identifying cerebral vein thrombosis is the presence of vague signs and symptoms that can resemble a variety of other intracranial pathologies. Our goal is to present the unique case of a young patient whose MRI scan revealed an abnormally enhancing tumor-like brain lesion that was heterogeneous in intensity and whose intraoperative view and histopathological findings were consistent with the vein of Labbe thrombosis, with ipsilateral transverse and sigmoid sinus involvement.

Labyrinthine haemorrhage secondary to cerebral venous thrombosis

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) can rarely present with acute ipsilateral cochlear and/or vestibular loss, to date always in the absence of a clear local otogenic process evidenced by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This association has been putatively attributed to inner ear anoxia due to blockage of inner ear venous drainage. We present a nonreported case of thrombosis of the left transverse and sigmoid sinuses presenting with acute unilateral vestibulopathy in which MRI disclosed concurrent ipsilateral labyrinthine haemorrhage. A 69-year-old female presented with acute vertigo without hearing loss or other accompanying neurological symptoms. Bedside examination revealed spontaneous right-beating nystagmus and an impaired left head impulse response, with an otherwise normal neurological examination. Audiometry and head and ear computed tomography were unremarkable, whereas MRI showed a nonenhancing hyperintensity of the left inner ear consistent with labyrinthine haemorrhage, and additional venography disclosed thrombosis of the left transverse and sigmoid sinuses. Oral anticoagulation was started, and the patient experienced gradual improvement of symptoms. The current case provides support for the existence of inner ear anoxia in CVT cases presenting with acute ipsilateral vestibular loss, which can ultimately be complicated by secondary bleeding, as seen in our patient. Importantly, presentation in our case closely mimicked that of peripheral vestibular neuritis, and only MRI venography enabled us to make a prompt diagnosis. This raises an important question as to when a diagnosis of vestibular neuritis can be made securely in the absence of MRI assessment with or without venography to completely discard labyrinthine haemorrhage with or without CVT.

Outflow-Restricted Developmental Venous Anomaly Masquerading as a Tumefactive Lesion on Imaging

BACKGROUND

Developmental venous anomalies (DVA) are rarely symptomatic. We report an unusual case of outflow-restricted DVA presenting with seizures.

CASE DESCRIPTION

Expansile signal changes due to a hemorrhagic venous infarction in the draining territory of collector vein of DVA simulated a neoplasm. Follow-up imaging showed regression of mass effect and asymptomatic thrombosis of another distant vein. Investigation for prothrombotic conditions returned negative.

CONCLUSIONS

Atypical imaging findings in the draining territory of DVA ought to raise the possibility of outflow restriction.

Cerebral Venous Thrombosis with Tumor-like Features: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), a rare cerebrovascular condition, is induced by blocked cerebral venous reflux, often presenting non-specific symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain may improve the often elusive diagnosis of CVT. However, the sensitivity, specificity and full spectrum of such MRI findings are poorly understood.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We report the case of a 53-year-old male patient with CVT. The patient complained of a severe headache in addition to an enhanced lesion on contrasted T1-weighted MR images, which was originally considered an angiogenic tumor. However, surgery and pathology confirmed the case to be CVT. Following surgery and administration of an anticoagulation agent, the patient's symptoms alleviated, and cranial MRI and CT 1 month after surgery showed no abnormalities.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that such cases may occur where CVT appears tumor-like on MRI, including mass effect and abnormal contrast enhancement. Therefore, for young and middle-aged adults with episodic and progressive headaches presenting such MRI findings, the possibility of CVT should always be considered. MRI combined with magnetic resonance venography should be used as the preferred strategy for early diagnosis of CVT.

Isolated lateral sinus thrombosis presenting as cerebellar infarction in a patient with iron deficiency anemia

As a rare cerebrovascular disease, cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is caused by various conditions including trauma, infection, oral contraceptive, cancer and hematologic disorders. However, iron deficiency anemia is not a common cause for CVT in adult. Posterior fossa infarction following CVT is not well demonstrated because posterior fossa has abundant collateral vessels. Here, we report a case of a 55-year-old man who was admitted with complaints of headache, nausea, and mild dizziness. The patient was diagnosed with isolated lateral sinus thrombosis presenting as cerebellar infarction. Laboratory findings revealed normocytic normochromic anemia due to iron deficiency, and the patient's symptoms were improved after iron supplementation.