Diagnosis

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A noncontrast head computed tomography (CT) scan showed slight narrowing of the ventricles and mild left-sided edema. A magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed a cavernous sinus thrombosis (Figure 2). The patient was admitted and treated with intravenous antibiotics and heparin. Magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium is the diagnostic test of choice for detection of cerebral venous thrombosis because thrombi can be visualized. CT scans are often abnormal but nonspecific. The most common CT findings are small ventricles and edema; results of CT scans are abnormal but nonspecific in up to 80% of patients.