Two cases of venous sinus thrombosis in women taking the oral contraceptive pill, Yaz (dropirenone/ ethinyl estradiol), and review of the literature

Margaret A. Riordan, Eric M. Deshaies

Department of Neurosurgery, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Oswego, USA;.

DOI: 10.4236/health.2013.57A4013                

Abstract

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVT) is a rare cause of stroke and the clinical presentation is variable, thus mimicking other neurologic pathologies. One of the more common acquired risk factors of venous sinus thrombosis is oral contraceptive medications such as Yaz. While the prognosis for CVT is favorable, it is important to identify and treat early to prevent neurologic deficits. We report two cases of young female patients who presented with sinus thrombosis and review the current literature on this topic. CVT accounts for 0.5% of strokes and most commonly presents with headaches and in many cases focal neurologic deficits. Diagnosis is confirmed with neuroimaging including CT angiography or MR angiography. Treatment consists of anticoagulation and in some cases, thrombolytic therapy is beneficial. The overall prognosis of CVT is favorable but, further research is needed to outline optimal treatment options including the duration of anticoagulation therapy and the role of thrombolytic therapy to prevent serious neurologic deficits.

Keywords

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis; Oral Contraceptives; Stroke; Thrombolytic Therapy

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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