Exploring Seizure Risks in Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis Based on Thrombosis Site.

Abstract

Objectives: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) often leads to seizures, potentially worsening prognosis. This study aimed to assess the relationship between specific occlusion sites and seizure occurrence.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 154 patients diagnosed with CVST in 3 major hospitals in Tehran. Medical records detailing sinus involvement, seizure occurrence, and baseline characteristics were reviewed. Statistical analyses included the χ2 or the Fisher exact tests, followed by binomial logistic regression to identify independent predictors. Model performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results: The study included 102 women (66.2%) and 52 men (33.8%), with a mean age of 36.4±10.8 years. A total of 35 patients (22.7%) experienced seizures, predominantly generalized tonic-clonic (85.7%). Superior sagittal sinus (SSS) involvement was strongly associated with seizures (odds ratio=3.056, P=0.006), while left transverse sinus involvement showed a marginally significant inverse relationship in univariate analysis (P=0.027), which became nonsignificant in the multivariate model (P=0.056). Trolard vein thrombosis was rare but associated with a high seizure rate (3/4 cases). The ROC for the final model showed moderate predictive ability (AUC=0.676).

Conclusion: SSS thrombosis significantly predicted seizures in Iranian CVST patients. Although rare, trolard vein involvement may carry a substantial seizure risk. These findings underscore the importance of precise imaging and individualized treatment plans for high-risk CVST patients. By illuminating the role of SSS and trolard vein, this study highlights the need for prospective trials to refine clinical decision-making.