Author/Authors :
Ghandehari, Kavian MD FLSP - Professor of Cerebrovascular Disease - Department of Neurology - Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Akhbari, Hadi MD - Associate Professor of Rheumatology - Birjand University of Medical Sciences , Shams, Mehdi MD - Resident of Neurology - Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Atalu, Abolfazl MD - Resident of Neurology - Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Afzalnia, Azadeh MD - Resident of Neurology - Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Ahmadi, Fahime MD - Resident of Neurology - Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Khazaei, Mojtaba MD - Resident of Neurology - Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Kalhor, Mohsen MD - Resident of Neurology - Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
Abstract :
BACKGROUND: Causes of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) vary around the world. Oral contraceptive
pills (OCP) are among the most frequent causes of cerebral venous thrombosis.
METHODS: Consecutive patients admitted with cerebral venous thrombosis in Ghaem hospital,
Mashhad during 2005-2008 were prospectively investigated. Diagnosis of cerebral venous
thrombosis was made by corresponding results of MRI, and MRV or conventional angiography.
All of the patients had a complete medical history, physical examination and underwent a standard
battery of diagnostic investigations by stroke neurologists.
RESULTS: Sixty two patients (51 females, 11 males) with mean age of 32.3, ranged 18-62 years
were admitted with cerebral venous thrombosis. Oral contraceptive pills consumption was
found as risk factor in 56.8% of females with cerebral venous thrombosis. These females had
used LD and HD types of oral contraceptive pills in 97% and 3% respectively. 41% of females
with cerebral venous thrombosis; (21/51) were on short term oral contraceptive pills consumption.
In this latter group of females, Ramadan and Hadj religious months were the reason of using
short term oral contraceptive pills in 86% and 5% respectively.
CONCLUSION: Short term oral contraceptive pills consumption is the most common cause of
cerebral venous thrombosis in Iranian women. Programs for public awareness should be conducted
for reducing use of these pills in short term periods during Ramadan and Hadj months.
