Cerebral sinus thrombosis as an initial symptom of acute promyelocytic leukemia: Case report and literature review

BACKGROUND: Cerebral sinus thrombosis as presentation of acute promyelocytic leukemia (AMPL) is exceptional, with only three cases registered in the literature. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 24-year-old female patient was transferred to our center after a car accident. The patient had a witnessed generalized seizure while driving. Computerized tomography (CT) demonstrated a temporal intraparenchymal hemorrhage and CT venogram diagnosed a cerebral sinus thrombosis on the left transverse and sigmoid sinus. The patient underwent surgical evacuation of the hematoma and was treated with anticoagulation 48 h after surgery. Pancytopenia alerted of a possible hematological disorder. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with AMPL and treated with arsenic trioxide. The patient had a complete neurological recovery with no postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: The management of cerebral sinus thrombosis in patients with AMPL remains controversial. The previous reported cases of cerebral sinus thrombosis preceding the diagnosis of AMPL are reviewed and treatment of cerebral sinus thrombosis with anticoagulation in the setting of intraparenchymal hemorrhage and bleeding disorders is also discussed.