A new study of patients with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) following COVID-19 vaccination has given a clearer guide for clinicians trying to diagnose and treat patients.

The research, from UCL and UCLH, is the most detailed account of the characteristics of CVT, when it is caused by the novel condition vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). VITT is a condition characterised by a blockage of the veins and a marked reduction of platelets, blood components which are an important part of the blood clotting system. The commonest and most severe manifestation of VITT is CVT, in which veins draining blood from the brain become blocked. This new study looks in detail at 70 patients with VITT-associated CVT following vaccination are compared to 25 with CVT without evidence of VITT.