Multiple cerebral sinus thromboses complicating meningococcal meningitis: a pediatric case report

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVT) is a rare, potentially life-threatening disorder that may have vital or morbid consequences, such as motor dysfunction or visual impairment. It predominantly affects adults in their third and fourth decades [1]. Even if high-quality epidemiologic studies are lacking, the available data suggest an incidence of 0.67 cases per 100,000 children per year. The prevalence of childhood CVT varies according to age; neonates are the most commonly affected [2‐4].

The signs and symptoms of CVT are frequently nonspecific, often resulting in delayed or missed diagnosis [5]. In fact, CVT may present with a variety of signs and symptoms, including irritability, headache, seizure, encephalopathy, papilledema, cranial nerve palsies, motor weakness and coma [6]. Studies suggest that prompt diagnosis and anticoagulant therapy may improve outcome in the majority of patients [2, 4, 7]. The causes of CVT may be categorized into three main groups according to Virchow’s classification. The first group includes all hypercoagulable states. The second group consists of conditions causing blood flow disturbances. Finally, the third group comprises all causes of inflammation or infection [8]. Among these, prothrombotic conditions, either genetic or acquired, malignancy, and head injury are the most frequent causes. As regards infectious causes of CVT, these are responsible for only 6 to 12 percent of cases [9]. Previous reports have cited sinusitis, otitis, and mastoiditis among the principal predisposing factors. Although the frequency of septic thrombosis is decreasing due to antibiotic development, recent studies have demonstrated that CVT may be a complication of meningitis and sepsis in about 7% and 16% of cases, respectively [2, 7, 10].

We describe the clinical case of a child with multiple sinovenous thromboses occurring after the diagnosis of meningococcal meningitis.

A previously healthy 8 month-old boy presented at the Emergency Department with high-grade fever, vomiting, and macular erythema of both upper limbs. No signs or symptoms of ear and upper respiratory infection were reported. Physical examination revealed a febrile, obtunded, and hypotonic child. Otoscopic findings as well as throat examination were normal. Neck stiffness was noted. No neurological deficit or papilledema was present. Laboratory tests showed leukocytosis (27000/μL; normal value > 6000 and <17000/μL) and an increased C-reactive protein (19,19 mg/dl; normal value below 0,5 mg/dl). An urgent non-contrast computed tomography (CT) of the head and neck was performed, with normal results. Bacterial meningitis was suspected and a lumbar puncture confirmed the diagnosis. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was opalescent with 33900 white blood cells, increased total protein (304,2 mg/dl) and normal glucose levels (37 mg/dl). Serum glucose level was also normal (106 mg/dl).The child received intravenous dexamethasone and ceftriaxone as empiric treatment. Neisseria Meningitis C was confirmed in both blood and CSF cultures. Two days later, the child’s condition improved, with fever resolution. Suddenly, seven days after hospital admission, the child manifested irritability and lethargy. Moreover, a bulging fontanel was noted at the physical examination. An urgent contrast-enhanced CT of the head and neck was immediately performed and revealed thrombosis of the superior sagittal, transverse and rectus sinuses (Figure 1). Heparin treatment was started in order to recanalize the occluded sinuses and to prevent the propagation of thrombi. A thrombophilic evaluation was performed which revealed hyperhomocysteinemia and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) variants (C677T and A1298C). One week later, a new CT revealed a recanalization of the previously involved sinuses, without parenchymal damage. Consequently, the patient was discharged under treatment with subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). At follow up five months later, the child was in good clinical condition with normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results (Figure 2). The anticoagulant therapy was discontinued, but the family was advised to administer anticoagulants in case of situations that could predispose to thrombosis.

According to the literature, CVT may be caused by hypercoagulable states, by conditions causing blood flow disturbances, or by inflammation/infection [5]. In our case report, we observed more than one risk factor that predisposed to CVT. We speculate that the genetic prothrombotic condition predisposed to CVT, which was triggered by a central nervous system infection. In fact, the CT scan was normal at both meningitis onset and post-discharge follow-up. For this reason, thrombophilic evaluation should be encouraged in all children with CVT, independent of other established risk factors such as meningitis, in order to identify children with increased risk factors for thrombophilia. Thrombophilia may be defined as a high risk for thrombosis, which can be either inherited or acquired. The percentage of patients with CVT who have an identified risk factor for thrombophilia varies significantly from study to study, from 33% to 99% [11]. Moreover, there is no consensus as to which baseline studies should be included in a standard hypercoagulability evaluation [12]. In one report, anticardiolipin antibody was the most common prothrombotic risk factor, while in another the homozygous MTHFR mutation was the most common [2, 8]. A German study reported cases in which either elevated lipoprotein A or protein C deficiency was associated with CVT; in an American study, protein C and antithrombin III deficiencies were common [7, 13]. Other potential procoagulant markers recently considered in CVT include anemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, and factor VIII levels.

In the event of a prothrombotic diagnosis, the patient’s family should be advised to administer drugs (antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents) in situations that could lead to thrombosis. In fact, patients recovering from CVT are at risk of recurrence or other thrombotic event [8]. It should be explained to patients that testing of their first degree relatives for heritable thrombophilia will allow the detection of affected but asymptomatic family members.

Because of its nonspecific presentation, diagnosis of CVT may be delayed and even missed. Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion when treating any child with an acute central nervous system infection and presenting neurological signs and symptoms despite administration of appropriate therapy.

Imaging should be considered to rule out intracranial complications. The currently available diagnostic tools include head CT, MRI and MR venogram [4, 6]. Of these, head CT is the most commonly performed examination when sinus thrombosis is suspected [2]. Diagnostic sensitivity is increased with the addition of a postcontrast CT. The empty delta sign, a classic signature of CVT, is present on post-contrast CT in 10% to 30% of cases. On head CT with contrast, the empty delta sign may be seen as a triangular pattern of contrast enhancement surrounding a central region which lacks contrast enhancement in the posterior part of the superior sagittal sinus [2, 4]. A dense cord sign (hyperdense fresh blood clot) is seen on noncontrast head CT in 1% to 5% of cases [4]. A previous normal result, even if performed just a few days prior, should not influence the clinician’s decision to repeat the exam. In case of CVT, follow-up imaging of the venous sinuses is generally performed in order to check thrombosis evolution. The mainstay of CVT treatment is anticoagulation and supportive care. The purpose of anticoagulant therapy is to limit the propagation of an existing clot and to prevent the formation of further thrombi [2, 4]. Previous studies have reported encouraging data on the safety of anticoagulation therapy in children with CVT and on improved cognitive outcome [2, 7]. Although definitive evidence of effectiveness is lacking, there is a general consensus that anticoagulation with unfractionated intravenous heparin or subcutaneous LMWH is appropriate treatment for acute CVT [14]. The treatment most used for infants and children is LMWH for 7–10 days (120-180 UI/kg twice a day in children up to 1 year of age, and 100 UI/Kg twice a day in older patients) followed by oral anticoagulants or antiplatelets generally for 3–6 months [7]. Therapy is generally discontinued 6 months after the acute phase but may be prolonged after hematological evaluation depending on the patient’s age and clinical condition. Instructions to the family at patient’s discharge include the necessity to continue anticoagulation after the acute phase in order to prevent CVT recurrence.

Finally, CVT in children sometimes has a poor prognosis despite prompt diagnosis and therapy. Commonly identified morbidities include motor dysfunction, neuropsychiatric disorders, visual impairment, pseudotumor cerebri, seizures, and headaches [4]. In our case, even though CVT involved multiple sinuses and the child was affected by both meningitis and sepsis, the prognosis was good, with no sequelae at five months follow-up. The early diagnosis led to prompt therapy and consequently enabled a good neurodevelopmental outcome.

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient’s mother for publication of these data and for the accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor of this Journal.