Cognitive impairment after cerebral venous thrombosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Luisa Medeiros Visentini, Gustavo Nascimento de Medeiros, Aluisio D'lucas Alves E Gomes et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed cognitive impairment after cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), using studies with at least 6 months of follow-up. It included 11 observational studies and one randomized clinical trial, comprising 801 post-CVT patients. The pooled prevalence was 29.20% (95% CI: 14.91-49.27%) overall, and 19.25% (95% CI: 7.15-42.47%) in studies at low risk of bias. Cognitive impairment was also reported among patients with minimal or no functional disability, indicating that functional outcome alone may not capture cognitive recovery.
Key findings
- Overall pooled prevalence of cognitive impairment after CVT was 29.20% (95% CI: 14.91-49.27%).
- In studies at low risk of bias, pooled prevalence was 19.25% (95% CI: 7.15-42.47%).
- Memory loss occurred in 39.21% (95% CI: 18.70-64.40%); executive and visuospatial impairment occurred in 35.94% (95% CI: 21.86-52.94%).
- Among patients with mRS 0, 1, and 2, cognitive impairment was observed in 28.6%, 36.3%, and 32.7%, respectively.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that cognitive problems may persist after CVT even when conventional functional disability is absent or mild. Recognising this distinction can support a more complete understanding of recovery and help inform assessment and follow-up planning, rather than relying on functional status alone.
What to keep in mind
The evidence was drawn from 11 observational studies and one randomized trial, and pooled prevalence estimates varied between the overall and low-risk-of-bias analyses.