Serum Levels of Ferritin, Iron, and Total Iron Binding Capacity in Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis

Abstract

Background: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a potentially life-threatening condition with a wide range of clinical presentations, from localized headache (the most common symptom) to mental status disturbances, seizures, and coma. Objectives: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate serum levels of ferritin, iron, and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and their possible relationship with different parameters in CVST patients. Methods: Thirty patients with a definitive diagnosis of CVST based on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance venography (MRV) results participated in the study. During the first 24 hours after admission, 5 cc of blood sample was collected from each patient and delivered to the laboratory to measure serum ferritin, iron, and TIBC levels. Results: Twenty-four women and six men (mean age: 42.6 ± 16.33 years) participated in the study. The mean levels of serum iron, TIBC, and ferritin were within normal ranges (99.40 ± 29.97 mg/dL, 324.50 ± 49.57 mg/dL, and 87.36 ± 88.84 ng/mL, respectively). There were no significant relationships between serum ferritin, iron, TIBC levels, oral contraceptive pills consumption, history of CVST or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), underlying diseases, and the involved sinus. Conclusions: The current study showed no possible benefits of using serum ferritin, iron, and TIBC indices in CVST patients.