IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Venous distension sign of intracranial hypotension

Case contributed by Stavroulis Manos
Diagnosis probable

Presentation

Treatment-refractory headache for one month

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Male

MRI 1.5 tesla + C

mri

Bilateral symmetric subdural effusions with imaging intensity higher than the CSF and no signs of hemorrhage.

Homogeneous and symmetric dural enhancement. On the sagittal images, you can note a round shape of the inferior border of the transverse venous sinus (venous distension sign) and a reduction of the distance between the optic chiasma and the pituitary gland.

Case Discussion

Several features of intracranial hypotension are present in this case:

  • venous distension sign
  • diffuse enlargement of the subdural spaces without hemorrhage
    • subdural hematoma can occur later
  • diffuse dural enhancement

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.