Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

    Background and Aim: Thrombosis of the cerebral veins and sinuses is a distinct cerebrovascular disorder that most often affects young adults and children. Failure in brain autonomic activity could be provoked because of damage to energy-dependent cellular membrane pumps resulting from cytotoxic edema and cerebral ischemia. Measurement of vasomotor reactivity (VMR) through Trans-cranial Doppler imaging may reveal the extent of brain damage in such conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the vasomotor reactivity in patients with cerebral vein thrombosis and in normals individuals.

Patient and Methods: In this cross – sectional study, cerebral vasomotor reactivity (CVR) measurement with Trans-cranial Doppler technique was performed in 25 cerebral venous sinus thrombosis patients and 25 age and sex-matched healthy controls. Cerebral Vasomotor Reactivity (VMR) was measured after inhalation of 5% CO₂ for 1-2 minutes. CVR was measured as percentage of MCA changes for every mmHg increase in arterial CO₂. Statistical analysis was done via student t-test. SPSS V. 11 was also used.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the mean VMR values in the two groups (P<0.001,4.47 in thrombotic group and 7.62 in controls).

Pulsatility index (PI) was 0.77±0.12 and 0.55±0.11 in thrombotic and control groups, respectively. Mean End diastotic volume (EDV) was 56.4±12.23 cm/s and 65.48±12.07 cm/s in thrombotic and control groups, respectively showing significant statistical differences. (P<0.001).

Conclusion: These findings are consistent with a state of vasoconstriction in cerebral venous and sinus thrombosis that is unresponsive to stimuli, that under normal circumstances results in vasodilation. Measurement of VMR in patients affected by cerebral venous sinus thrombosis could assist in early diagnosis of cerebral autonomic dysfunction and prevent its serious consequences.