Cerebral Venous Thrombosis in Adults Aged Over 50 Years: A Retrospective Study From a Latin American Center
Andres Felipe Cardenas Cruz1, Andres Ricaurte-Fajardo1, Valentina Velasco2, Silvia Andrade1, Carlos Alvarado-De la Hoz1, Isabel Torres-Camacho1, Elkin Garcia-Cifuentes1, María Paula Ardila1, Betty Arevalo2, Carlos Beltrán2, Laura Monsalve2, Luis Roa1, Juliana Coral1
1Neurology Department, 2Medical School, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
Objective:
To describe demographic, clinical, and radiographic features of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) in patients aged ≥50 years at a single center and to compare findings with global literature
Background:
Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is an uncommon cause of stroke resulting from thrombosis of cerebral veins or dural sinuses. Although it predominantly affects young adults and women, older adults can also be affected, often with different risk profiles and outcomes. Understanding the influence of age-related and autoimmune risk factors is essential for prevention and early recognition. Despite its clinical importance, data from Latin America remain limited, hindering the global understanding of this condition in older populations.
Design/Methods:
We conducted a retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with CVT aged ≥50 years in our hospital’s database. Demographic, clinical, and radiological variables were extracted, including sex, autoimmune comorbidities, and sinus involvement. Descriptive statistics were calculated. A focused literature review was performed to contextualize the findings within the international experience.
Results:
Fifty patients were included (mean age 62.2 years); 54% were male and 46% female. Autoimmune disorders—mainly antiphospholipid syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, and thyroid dysfunction—were found in 16% of cases. The most frequently affected sinuses were the rectus (4%) and cavernous (4%), with occasional superior petrosal involvement (2%). Compared with global reports, where CVT accounts for 0.5–1% of strokes and typically affects younger women, our findings indicate a higher age at presentation, balanced sex distribution, and similar autoimmune association. This series provides region-specific data that contribute to filling existing epidemiologic gaps in Latin America.
Conclusions:
CVT in adults aged ≥50 years presents distinct demographic and clinical characteristics compared with younger cohorts. These findings emphasize the need for increased recognition of CVT in older patients and for expanded multicenter studies across Latin America to better define risk factors and guide prevention.
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