Cerebral sinus venous thrombosis: a rare complication of varicella infection in a 12-year-old girl

Paediatr Int Child Health. 2022 Aug-Nov;42(3-4):165-168. doi: 10.1080/20469047.2023.2242173. Epub 2023 Aug 4.

Abstract

Varicella infection can present with a variety of neurological manifestations, the most common of which are cerebellitis and encephalitis. A 12-year-old girl presented with headache, altered sensorium, blurring of vision and status epilepticus 2 weeks after she developed varicella lesions. Imaging demonstrated cerebral venous sinus thrombosis involving the left transverse sinus, sigmoid sinus and internal jugular vein with a haemorrhagic infarct in the left parieto-occipital region. Measures were taken to decrease the intracranial pressure, and she was commenced on anti-convulsants (phenytoin) and heparin infusion, following which she improved and was discharged after 2 weeks. Repeat imaging undertaken 3 months later demonstrated a resolving thrombus, and a pro-coagulant work-up at follow-up did not show any underlying pro-thrombotic state. Neurological complications post varicella are rare, with encephalitis and ataxia being the most common. Cerebral sinus venous thrombosis secondary to varicella is very rare with only one case reported in a child.

Keywords: CSVT; Varicella; thrombosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Chickenpox* / complications
  • Child
  • Encephalitis* / complications
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Sinus Thrombosis, Intracranial* / diagnostic imaging
  • Sinus Thrombosis, Intracranial* / drug therapy
  • Sinus Thrombosis, Intracranial* / etiology
  • Venous Thrombosis* / diagnosis
  • Venous Thrombosis* / drug therapy
  • Venous Thrombosis* / etiology