We report a preterm newborn who presented extensive cerebral vein thrombosis on MRI
but no abnormal neurological signs. The baby underwent MRI as germinal-matrix intraventricular
haemorrhage was revealed by a routine ultrasound brain scan performed on day 16; earlier
ultrasound scans (day 2, 7, 12) were all normal. Cerebral vein thrombosis was diagnosed
at the first MRI scan together with abnormal restriction in diffusion weighted imaging
in the frontal white matter parenchyma. Bilateral microcavitations with a linear pattern
of distribution reflecting the distribution of medullary veins developed a week later
in the same white matter areas where abnormal diffusion weighted imaging was formerly
noted. The baby was later found to be heterozygous for factor V Leiden.
Thrombophilia - Cerebral Vein Thrombosis - Haemorrhagic Infarction - Medullary Veins
- Diffusion Weighted Imaging