Summary
Introduction. Venous sinus thrombosis is a rare but clinically significant condition characterized by the formation of blood clots in the cerebral veins, disrupting normal venous circulation. Although this disease is mostly diagnosed in adults, it can also occur in children, particularly after head and neck infections. The condition presents with various neurological symptoms, including visual disturbances, headaches, and signs of intracranial hypertension. Since the initial symptoms may be nonspecific, diagnosis is often delayed, potentially leading to severe neurological consequences. If left undiagnosed, this condition can cause long-term complications, therefore, early recognition of symptoms and appropriate diagnostic investigations are crucial.
Case report. A 12-year-old girl developed sigmoid sinus thrombosis following acute otitis media. The initial symptoms included diplopia and strabismus. Ophthalmological examination revealed bilateral optic disc edema, and the diagnosis was confirmed by magnetic resonance angiography and computed tomography angiography. The patient was initially treated with low-molecular-weight heparin, followed by long-term oral anticoagulant therapy. A significant clinical improvement was observed after three months, with imaging confirming thrombus recanalization.
Discussion and conclusions. This clinical case demonstrates that visual disturbances can be an early sign of venous sinus thrombosis, yet they often go unrecognized. Timely neurological and radiological evaluation, along with appropriately selected treatment, led to a successful outcome. The discussion is based on the latest literature examining the principles of venous sinus thrombosis diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment.
