Role of diffusion-weighted images in prediction of recanalization of cerebral venous thrombosis in patients with leukemia and other malignancies

Abstract Background Risk of thrombosis in cerebral veins is notably elevated among cancer patients. Numerous studies have explored the optimal MRI imaging sequences for diagnosing cerebral venous thrombosis, aiming to achieve maximal specificity and sensitivity. However, studies focusing on imaging criteria that influence clinical outcomes remain limited, particularly regarding the assessment of diffusion-weighted imaging in predicting clinical outcomes and likelihood of recanalization. Results Our study unveiled a markedly diminished proportion of canalization among cases exhibiting restricted diffusion within the cerebral venous sinuses at the onset of symptoms. Notably, 100% of cases demonstrating facilitated diffusion achieved recanalization, whereas only 84.4% of cases with restricted diffusion had undergone recanalization. Conclusion Assessment of diffusion-weighted images in cerebral venous thrombosis may serve as a valuable prognostic imaging biomarker in a high-risk cancer patient population to determine the likelihood of recanalization.