VENOUS MICROEMBOLIC SIGNALS DETECTED IN PATIENTS WITH CEREBRAL SINUS THROMBOSIS

Background and Purpose We sought to assess the usefulness of the Doppl er technique in the monitoring of microembolic signals in the main ven ous outflow pathways in superior sagittal sinus thrombosis. Methods Tr anscranial Doppler ultrasound was performed with a range-gated 2-MHz t ransducer in 6 patients with superior sagittal sinus thrombosis, in 5 subjects with platelet hyperaggregability, and in 20 healthy volunteer s. Emboli monitoring was performed mainly in one distal internal jugul ar vein for 10 to 15 minutes. Results Three of the six patients (50%) with superior sagittal sinus thrombosis had microemboli. None of the p atients with platelet hyperaggregation or healthy volunteers revealed microemboli. Conclusions Microemboli can be found in superior sagittal sinus thrombosis by Doppler ultrasound. Their prognostic significance remains to be determined.