Deep Cerebral Venous Thrombosis Mimicking Bilateral Thalamic Pathology: Diagnostic Insights from a Case Report

Deep cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare cause of stroke causing a diagnostic dilemma on imaging. Its presentation can be variable and is often radiologically characterized by bilateral gangliothalamic involvement, which can mimic other pathologies. We present a case of a 15-year-old male who developed deep cerebral venous thrombosis, manifesting as a bithalamic hemorrhagic lesion on imaging. This case underscores the importance of considering venous thrombosis in the differential diagnosis of bilateral thalamic abnormalities, such as acute viral hemorrhagic fever, especially in young patients presenting with atypical stroke symptoms.