Maternal cerebral venous thrombosis, uncommon but serious disorder, pathologic predictors and contribution of prothrombotic abnormalities.

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare complication during pregnancy or the puerperium. Our aim was to identify thrombotic risk profiles that predispose to maternal CVT.The study comprised 151 individuals. All participants had a thrombotic workup that included the following: genetic markers: factor V Leiden G1691A and G20210A prothrombin mutations, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and A1298C polymorphisms; protein assays: protein C, protein S and antithrombin; other tests: blood typing and screening for hyperhomocysteinemia. Maternal CVT has been associated with factor V Leiden, the prothrombin G20210A mutation, protein C deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia. We also speculate that non-O blood groups and preeclampsia could be independent risk factors for CVT.