Case Report: Headache in a Postpartum Patient With Essential Thrombocytosis
A rare and potentially fatal condition is discovered in a postpartum patient presenting with severe headache.
Conclusion
This case describes a patient with two risk factors for CVT, a life-threatening condition. It should be considered in patients with ET and/or pregnant and postpartum patients presenting with headache or other neurological symptoms. Magnetic resonance venography is the diagnostic imaging of choice as the CVT may not be visible on CT. All patients with thrombosis and ET should receive anticoagulation therapy and hydroxyurea to prevent cerebral herniation and death.
Dr Canders is a resident, department of emergency medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles. Dr Taira is a clinical assistant professor, department of emergency medicine, Los Angeles County Hospital/University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
Disclosure: The authors report no financial disclosures or conflicts of interests related to this article.
