Role of HU & H:H ratio on unenhanced CT brain in diagnosis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis

Vasantkumar Jethabhai Rathod; Manisha Narayanbhai Solanki; Ashish Aravind

Volume : IX, Issue : VI, June - 2020

Role of HU & H:H ratio on unenhanced CT brain in diagnosis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis

Vasantkumar Jethabhai Rathod, Manisha Narayanbhai Solanki, Ashish Aravind

Abstract :

BACKGROUND: Cereal venous sinus thrombosis ( CVST ) is characterized by a highly variable clinical spectra, difficult diagnosis, variable etiologies and prognosis. CT ain is usually the first investigation in suspected cases of acute-onset intracranial pathology including CVST. Purpose of this study was to assess HU (Hounsfield Unit) & H:H (HU:Hematocrit) ratio on unenhanced CT ain in patients with CVST and to compare them with values in patients without CVST. MATERIALS & METHODS: This prospective study was done in our institute B.J. Medical college & Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. Study included 100 patients of unenhanced CT ain with application of inclusion & exclusion criteria. Patients were divided into two groups ( Group A: with CVST & Group B: without CVST ). HU value & H:H ratio were compared between Group A & Group B. RESULTS: The mean HU in patients with CVST was 75, which was higher than that of patients without CVST (56 HU). Statistical analysis by using t-test showed that the difference between HU values of both groups ( i.e., with CVST and without CVST ) was statistically significant. Difference between H:H ratios of both groups was also statistically significant. CONCLUSION: We have found that average sinus density > 70 HU & H:H ratio > 1.8 are highly specific findings of acute CVST on unenhanced CT ain. We have also found that H:H ratio is slightly better indicator of acute CVST than HU value in few cases (particularly in cases having HU value 60-70). Radiologists should be aware of false positive & false negative findings on unenhanced CT ain for CVST.