In radiology, CVT refers to Cerebral Venous Thrombosis. It involves the occlusion or blockage of venous channels within the skull. This can include a variety of specific locations.
Understanding Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT)
CVT is not a single entity but rather a spectrum of related conditions. Here's a breakdown:
- Definition: As indicated in the reference, CVT encompasses the obstruction of veins in the cranial cavity.
- Types of CVT: According to the provided reference, this includes:
- Dural Venous Thrombosis: This occurs in the large venous channels situated within the dura mater, the outer membrane of the brain and spinal cord.
- Cortical Vein Thrombosis: Affects the veins found on the surface of the brain's cortex.
- Deep Cerebral Vein Thrombosis: This involves the veins located deep within the brain tissue.
- Co-existence: It's very common for these types of thromboses to occur together.
Clinical Implications
CVT can lead to various symptoms, which are often non-specific. This means the symptoms can vary between patients and may mimic other conditions. The reference highlights that the clinical presentation among the various types of CVT is quite similar and not easily distinguishable based on symptoms alone.
How CVT is Diagnosed in Radiology
Radiological imaging is crucial for the diagnosis of CVT, due to the non-specific clinical presentation. Some of the common diagnostic imaging methods include:
- CT Scan: A CT scan of the head is often the first step in diagnosis, which may show a hyperdense thrombus in the affected vein. CT venography is a technique used to visualize the intracranial veins, making the diagnosis more certain.
- MRI: MRI, especially when combined with MR venography (MRV) is the most sensitive way to evaluate CVT.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Term | Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT) |
| Definition | Occlusion of veins in the cranial cavity |
| Types | Dural, Cortical, Deep Cerebral Vein Thrombosis |
| Presentation | Non-specific and similar between types of CVT |
| Diagnosis | CT scan, CT venography, MRI, MR venography |
