Fatal Cerebral Trauma: An Imaging Case of Anoxic Ischemia and Jugular Vein Thrombosis

Post-traumatic cerebral venous thrombosis (PT-CVT) is a rare but serious complication of head trauma, often associated with skull fractures involving the dural venous sinuses or jugular bulb. We report the case of a 25-year-old male admitted after a road traffic accident with vomiting and loss of consciousness. Imaging with contrast-enhanced CT revealed left jugular vein and lateral sinus thrombosis, bilateral frontal and left temporal contusions, and multiple skull fractures. The patient was managed with anticoagulation therapy and close neurological monitoring in the intensive care unit. Despite aggressive management, the patient’s condition deteriorated, and he succumbed. PT-CVT is underdiagnosed in traumatic brain injury due to its nonspecific presentation. Imaging, particularly contrast-enhanced CT, is essential for early diagnosis and management. Early detection and anticoagulation therapy are crucial for preventing complications such as venous infarction and hemorrhage, but mortality remains high in severe cases. Our aim is to highlight the importance of imaging in early recognition and prompt management of ptCVT to improve outcomes.