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Background and Purpose: Studies looking at seasonal variation on cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) are few with conflicting conclusions. In this region-specific study, we looked for climatic influence and seasonal trends on the incidence of CVT. Methods: Imaging proven adult CVT cases treated over a period of 18 years from a specific geographical location with similar seasons and climatic conditions were studied. Metrological parameters prepared using 30 years of data was used. Quantum geographical information system (QGIS software) and SPSS v 22 were used for patient plotting and analysis. Results: Total of 970 cases were studied. The incidence was significantly higher in summer 411 (42.3%) compared with autumn 317 (32.7%) and winter 242 (25.05); P = 0.038. This trend was consistent across all the 18 years in time series analysis. Mean age was 33.5 years (range 18–88 years). A significant majority 673 (69.4%) were below 40 years of age; P = 0.012. Females constituted 394 (40.6%) of cases. Postpartum CVT cases constituted 237 (30%). Interaction analysis showed younger age (<40 years) were more vulnerable for CVT in summer; P = 0.009. There was no seasonal influence on postpartum CVT. Apart for a weak positive correlation between rain fall ( r = 0.18, P < 0.01); humidity and cloud cover was not influencing the incidence. Conclusions: Higher ambient temperatures were consistently associated with higher incidence of CVT. This is the largest region-specific study on CVT in the world. These results may be applicable to other regions with similar climatic conditions.

Background Systemic hyper-coagulabilty leading to micro and macro thrombosis is a known complication of Coronavirus disease – 2019(COVID -19). The postulated mechanism appears to be the viral activation of endothelium, triggering the coagulation pathways. Thrombosis of the cerebral veins and sinuses (CVT), a potentially serious condition, has been increasingly reported with COVID – 19 infection. In this clinical study we attempt to describe the clinical profile, investigations and outcomes of patients with COVID- 19 associated CVT. Methods This is a single centre prospective observational study from South India. The study included patients (aged >18 years) with concomitant COVID infection and CVT. The clinical, laboratory, imaging characteristics, management and outcomes were described and compared with COVID negative CVT patients. Results Out of 97 cases of CVT treated at our centre during the first and second waves of the COVID pandemic 11/97 (11%) were COVID related CVT. Among these 11 patients, 9 (81%) had presented with only CVT related symptoms and signs and were tested positive for COVID - 19 infection during the pre-hospitalization screening. Respiratory symptoms were absent in 90% of the patients. Headache (100%) and seizures (90%) were the common presenting symptoms. The median time to diagnosis was 6 hours from presentation to the emergency department. Transverse sinus was involved 10/11 (90%) and majority of them (9/11) had Haemorrhagic Venous Infarction (HVI). Acute inflammatory markers were elevated in comparison with non COVID CVT patients, with the mean serum D-dimer (2462.75ng/ml) and the C-reactive protein (64.5 mg/dl). Three patients (30%) underwent decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) because of large hemispheric HVI. All patients survived in the COVID CVT group while the mortality in the non COVID group was 4%. At 6 months follow up excellent outcome (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–2) was noted equally in both groups. Conclusions Symptoms and signs of CVT may be the only presentation of COVID-19 infection. Prompt recognition and aggressive medical management including DHC offers excellent outcomes.