Cerebral Venous Thrombosis at High Altitude: A Retrospective Cohort of Twenty-one Consecutive Patients

Background Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare cerebrovascular disorder, comprising <1% of all strokes. The incidence of CVT is higher in females but a small number of cases suggest that men have a higher risk for CVT in high elevation. The aim of this retrospective cohort study is to investigate this gender-related relationship and to describe the baseline characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients who suffered CVT at high altitude in eastern Nepal. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 21 consecutive patients with CVT at a tertiary care center in Nepal from July 2017 to January 2018. Clinical data, radiologic characteristics, therapeutic strategies, and outcomes were analyzed. The Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at discharge was reported for each patient. Result The study cohort comprised 21 patients (76% males) with a mean of 56 years. Medical comorbidities included hypertension (76%) and diabetes mellitus (57%). All patients received low-molecular-weight heparin therapy (LMWH). Eight patients (38%) underwent decompressive craniectomy while the remaining 13 (62%) were treated with medical therapy alone. The GOS at discharge was 5 in 57%, 2-4 in 33%, and 1 in 10%. Conclusion In our series, men were found to have a higher risk for CVT at high altitude. The reversal in the gender ratio could be related to elevation, but could also be confounded by alcoholism. Increasingly sophisticated imaging techniques, such as computed tomography venography (CTV) and magnetic resonance venography (MRV), have facilitated the diagnosis of CVT. LMWH is a safe and easily accessible treatment option, especially in developing countries. Further studies are needed to assess the incidence and prevalence of CVT in the developing world, to establish the gender-related trends.