Profile of 26 HIV seropositive individuals with cerebral venous thrombosis

Abstract Background HIV infection has been found to be prothrombotic condition. However, venous thromboembolism associated with HIV is restricted to peripheral vasculature with few reports of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). Objective To examine the clinical manifestations of CVT among HIV seropositive individuals and explore the possible etiological factors. Methods and results It is a prospective study of 26 (M:F-18:8) patients of CVT associated with HIV seropositive status. Their age and duration of illness was 33.8 ± 6.8 years and 11.3 ± 8.5 days respectively. Headache and vomiting was the most common symptom followed by seizures. Drowsiness with GCS (Glasgow coma score) ranging from 9 to 14 was present in two-thirds of the patients. Serum homocysteine was elevated in 70% of patients. Vitamin B12 was low in 12.5% and insufficient levels in 25%. 88.5% of the patients recovered completely to GCS 15/15 in 2–7 days during follow up; 11.5% patients expired during the acute state. Conclusion This study represents the largest series of CVT in HIV seropositive individuals. There is increased risk of thrombosis due to elevated homocysteine and low Vitamin B12. They have better sensorium inspite of extensive radiological involvement.