Cerebral Venous Thrombosis during Thyrotoxicosis: Case Report and Literature Update

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare cause of stroke, particularly in young adults. Several known thrombophilic conditions may lead to an increased CVT risk. Interestingly, few cases in the literature have reported an association between CVT and thyrotoxicosis. Here, we describe the case of a young woman with CVT and concomitant thyrotoxicosis, without any other known prothrombotic conditions. We also performed a literature review of CVT cases and hyperthyroidism, searching for all articles published in peer-reviewed journals. We identified 39 case reports/case series concerning patients with CVT associated with thyrotoxicosis, highlighting, in most cases, the association with additional known prothrombotic factors. We then discussed the possible mechanisms by which hyperthyroidism could underlie a pro-coagulative state resulting in CVT. Thyroid disease might be a more common prothrombotic risk factor than expected in determining CVT. However, in most cases, a coexistence of multiple risk factors was observed, suggesting a multifactorial genesis of the disorder. We hope that this work may alert clinicians to consider thyrotoxicosis as a potential risk factor for CVT, even in patients who apparently have no other pro-coagulative conditions.

Thyrotoxicosis and bilateral internal carotid artery dissections

Cervical artery dissection is a rare but important diagnosis to consider in young patients presenting with stroke. Multiple etiologies of cervical artery dissections have been previously reported, but the association with thyrotoxicosis is extremely rare. A previously healthy 43-year-old female presented to the emergency department with new symptoms related to thyrotoxicosis and bilateral internal carotid artery dissections. Her atrial fibrillation and hypertension resolved by treating the underlying hyperthyroidism with methimazole and propranolol. The bilateral internal carotid artery dissections were managed conservatively with acetylsalicylic acid. Despite an initially poor prognosis, the patient made a complete recovery with resolution of her neurological symptoms.