The diagnostic value of noncontrast CT in the diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis

Abstract

The first aim of this study was to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of NCT in the diagnosis of CVT. Another aim was to assess the value of sinus venous attenuation measurement on NCT in the diagnosis of CVT. Materials & Methods: NCT of 187 patient were reviewed. Sensitivity and specificity of NCT evaluated in the diagnosis of CVT. Hounsfield unit (HU) of sinus venous with thrombus was compared to normal veins of control group, with and without standardization to the average HU of the internal carotids. Results: CVT was confirmed in 32 patients by MRV (Magnetic Resonance Venography). NCT has high sensitivity and spesitivity in diagnosis of CVT. Significant difference in average venous sinus attenuation was found between thrombus in patient with CVT (66.12±7.4 HU) and normal veins in control group (48.59±5.91 HU; p<0.05) .Similar difference is identified between standardized HU value in venous sinuses with thrombus (1.59±0.24) and venous sinuses without thrombus (1.06±0.14; p<0.05). A HU >62 and a standardized HU >1.4 on NCT are associated with high probability of CVT.