Bilateral corpus callosum and corona radiata infarction due to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis presenting as headache and acute reversible aphasia: a rare case report

Background: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), a rare cause of cerebral infarction, is often unrecognized at initial presentation. We report the case of a patient with bilateral corpus callosum and corona radiata infarction due to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis presenting as headache and acute reversible aphasia.

Case presentation: A 30-year-old female patient presented with headache, vomiting, and motor aphasia. She was 20 days post-partum and had a lower than normal food intake following a normal vaginal delivery. Brain magnetic resonance images revealed a bilateral corpus callosum and corona radiata infarction. MR venography (MRV) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images showed a signal void in the anterior aspect of the superior sagittal sinus and inferior sagittal sinus, ophthalmic vein expansion, and the reversed direction of venous flow. In addition, images showed non-visualization of the left transverse sinus. The left slender sigmoid sinus and small internal jugular vein were also noted. The diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis was considered based on the above findings. The patient was managed with anticoagulation therapy, and recovered substantially after treatment.

Conclusions: Bilateral corpus callosum and corona radiata infarction is very rare. However, for patients who clinically show cranial hypertension and neurological deficits during the puerperium period, the possibility of CVST should be considered. Furthermore, DSA plays an important role in the diagnosis of CVST, and should be routinely checked. Early diagnosis is crucial for the patient suffering from CVST.

Keywords: Acute reversible aphasia; Case report; Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis; Corpus callosum and radiata infarction; Headache.