Dural venous thrombosis following splenectomy in a patient with hereditary spherocytosis

South Med J. 2009 May;102(5):542-5. doi: 10.1097/SMJ.0b013e31819e90b5.

Abstract

Hereditary spherocytosis is a common form of hemolytic anemia sometimes requiring splenectomy in recalcitrant cases. The complications of splenectomy include an increased risk of thrombosis, usually presenting with deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. However, common complaints such as headache should warn clinicians of involvement in less common sites, primarily the dural venous system. The case of dural venous thrombosis in a patient with hereditary spherocytosis and splenectomy is discussed. The potential mechanisms associated with thrombosis formation in this population and its treatment are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cerebral Angiography
  • Female
  • Fibrinolytic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Heparin / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Spherocytosis, Hereditary / complications*
  • Spherocytosis, Hereditary / surgery
  • Splenectomy / adverse effects*
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / diagnostic imaging
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / drug therapy
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Venous Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Venous Thrombosis / drug therapy
  • Venous Thrombosis / etiology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Fibrinolytic Agents
  • Heparin