To evaluate the management of anticoagulant therapy in neonates with cerebral sinus venous thrombosis (CSVT), focusing on potential benefits and risks.

We report the case of a full-term neonate diagnosed with CSVT, highlighting the rationale for early anticoagulation with unfractionated heparin. A brief literature review supports our clinical decision-making, considering current evidence and expert consensus despite limited neonatal-specific guidelines.

Heparin therapy was started shortly after diagnosis, without hemorrhagic complications. Neuroimaging showed complete thrombus resolution. The neonate had a normal neurological examination at discharge. Follow-up confirmed overall good clinical condition and showed mild axial hypotonia and convergent strabismus suggestive of cortical visual impairment.

Management of CSVT in neonates remains debated. While heparin may carry a risk of bleeding, delaying treatment can lead to thrombus progression. Our case supports the potential safety and efficacy of early heparin use in selected patients. Tailored, risk-based decisions may improve outcomes, though further studies are needed to establish standardized protocols.

Received: 08 November 2023

Accepted: 18 December 2024

Accepted Manuscript online:
26 March 2025

Article published online:
21 April 2025

© 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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