Matsanga Leyila Kaseka1, Mahendranath Moharir2, Gabrielle deVeber2, Daune MacGregor2, Rand Askalan2, Nomazulu Dlamini3. 1. Neurologie pédiatrique, CHU Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Ontario, Canada. 2. Stroke Program, Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 3. Stroke Program, Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: nomazulu.dlamini@sickkids.ca.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Descending corticospinal tract diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal is predictive of poor motor outcome in neonatal and childhood arterial ischemic stroke. However, descending corticospinal tract diffusion-weighted MRI signal has not been documented in the setting of cerebral sinovenous thrombosis, and its role is not understood. OBJECTIVE: We describe a neonate with cerebral sinovenous thrombosis, extensive diffusion restriction, and bilateral descending corticospinal tract diffusion-weighted MRI signal on MRI of the brain. We discuss the underlying mechanisms and implications of these findings in venous ischemia. CONCLUSION: The prognostic value of descending corticospinal tract diffusion-weighted MRI signal differs when observed in cerebral sinovenous thrombosis from when observed in arterial ischemic stroke. Consequently, caution should be exercised in using descending corticospinal tract diffusion-weighted MRI signal to predict outcome in children with cerebral sinovenous thrombosis.
BACKGROUND: Descending corticospinal tract diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal is predictive of poor motor outcome in neonatal and childhood arterial ischemic stroke. However, descending corticospinal tract diffusion-weighted MRI signal has not been documented in the setting of cerebral sinovenous thrombosis, and its role is not understood. OBJECTIVE: We describe a neonate with cerebral sinovenous thrombosis, extensive diffusion restriction, and bilateral descending corticospinal tract diffusion-weighted MRI signal on MRI of the brain. We discuss the underlying mechanisms and implications of these findings in venous ischemia. CONCLUSION: The prognostic value of descending corticospinal tract diffusion-weighted MRI signal differs when observed in cerebral sinovenous thrombosis from when observed in arterial ischemic stroke. Consequently, caution should be exercised in using descending corticospinal tract diffusion-weighted MRI signal to predict outcome in children with cerebral sinovenous thrombosis.