Puerperal cerebral venous thrombosis associated with decreased free protein S: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Cerebral venous thrombosis is a rare event with multiple risk factors. This condition can be associated with a hypercoagulable state, such as that seen with dysfunctional or decreased plasma protein C and protein S. Both plasma proteins are naturally occurring, vitamin K-dependent anticoagulants that are important for regulation of the clotting cascade.


METHODS
A postpartum patient presented with complaints of a severe headache and hypertension and later developed status epilepticus. She was found to have superior sagittal sinus and right internal jugular vein thrombosis and protein S deficiency.


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of protein S deficiency and the further reduction due to pregnancy may enhance the risk of major thrombotic episodes in the peripartum period.
Galan
H L
HL
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Scott & White Clinic and Memorial Hospital, Texas A & M University Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Temple 76508, USA.
McDowell
A B
AB
Johnson
P R
PR
Kuehl
T J
TJ
Knight
A B
AB
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D002542:Intracranial Embolism and Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011247:Pregnancy; D018455:Protein S Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications*; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors
D000925:Anticoagulants