Reducing the global burden of cerebral venous thrombosis: an international research agenda

Background: Due to the rarity of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), performing high-quality scientific research in this field is challenging. Providing answers to unresolved research questions will improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, and ultimately translate to a better outcome of patients with CVT. We present an international research agenda, in which the most important research questions in the field of CVT are prioritized.

Aims: This research agenda has three distinct goals: (1) To provide inspiration and focus to research on CVT for the coming years; (2) To reinforce international collaboration; and (3) To facilitate the acquisition of research funding.

Summary of review: This international research agenda is the result of a research summit organized by the International Cerebral Venous Thrombosis Consortium in Amsterdam, the Netherlands in June 2023. The summit brought together 45 participants from 15 countries including clinical researchers from various disciplines, patients who previously suffered from CVT, and delegates from industry and non-profit funding organizations. The research agenda is categorized into six pre-specified themes: (1) Epidemiology and clinical features; (2) Life after CVT; (3) Neuroimaging and diagnosis; (4) Pathophysiology; (5) Medical treatment; and (6) Endovascular Treatment. For each theme, we present two to four research questions, followed by a brief substantiation per question. The research questions were prioritized by the participants of the summit through consensus discussion.

Conclusions: This international research agenda provides an overview of the most burning research questions on CVT. Answering these questions will advance our understanding and management of CVT, which will ultimately lead to improved outcomes for CVT patients worldwide.