Abstract

SANCHEZ-SUEN, Kwok Ho; DOBLES-RAMIREZ, Carlos  and  SANCHEZ-PACHECO, Ricardo. Trombosis de senos durales: casuística del Hospital Dr. Rafael Angel Calderón Guardia, período 1996-1999. Acta méd. costarric [online]. 2001, vol.43, n.4, pp.168-174. ISSN 0001-6002.

Justification: The thrombotic occlusiom of the cerebral veins or dural sinuses is a less frequent cause of stroke than arterial thrombosis. However; the epidemiologic studies indicate that this entity is not as unusual as it has been thougth previously. Up to where we know, there is no study published in the national literature being this, in fact, the reason of the present work. Aim: To identify the demographic, clinical and diagnostic characteristics of patients that suffered dural sinuses thrombosis. To describe the therapeutic methods used and the evolution of these patients. Materials and methods: Clinical files of 11 diagnosed cases of dural sinues thrombosis in the Hospital Dr. Rafael Angel Calderon Guardia were revised, in the period between January of 1996 to January of 1999. The possible risk factors, clinical presentation, radiologic studies and treatment used were analyzed. Results: The average age was of 32,6 years. 18,2% were male, while 81,8% corresponded to women. The most frequent manifestations were: headache (100%), vomit (91%), focal deficit (82%), alteration of the mental status (73%), papilledema (54,5%) seizures (54,5%) and data of meningeal irritation (36,4%). The sing of the empty delta was documented in 27,3% of the tomographic studies. The superior sagittal sinus was the most frequently affected (91%). Anticoagulation with intravenous heparin was used in 54,5% of the cases. Conclusions: Although we are aware of the limitations of our report, our intention has been to cal the attention on a cerebral vscular disease that although it is not as frequent as arterial thrombosis, it should be taken into consideration because of its potential effects on the patient´s health. The appropriate knowledge of this condition is important, because even when the symptoms are severe, the reversiblity can be complete.

Keywords : Trombosis; seno dural; diagnóstico; anticoagulación.