Recurrent Ischemic Stroke in Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria: Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria or Missed Patent Foramen Ovale?

Publication/Presentation Date

9-1-2009

Abstract

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare, acquired bone-marrow disorder characterized by hemolytic anemia, hemoglobinuria, and cytopenia. Most patients die from venous thrombotic events. Stroke is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in PNH and it is almost exclusively a result of cerebral venous thrombosis. Case reports of ischemic stroke complicating PNH have implicated a similar propensity for arterial events caused by the disease. We present a case of recurrent cerebral infarctions complicating PNH initially attributed to arterial thrombosis but ultimately determined to be a result of the disease and a concomitant patent foramen ovale identified only after repeated evaluations. This case emphasizes the pitfalls of diagnostic testing and the importance of a persistent search for a venous cause for cerebral embolic events in patients with hematologic diseases not classically known to involve the arterial system.

Volume

18

Issue

5

First Page

409

Last Page

410

ISSN

1532-8511

Disciplines

Medical Sciences | Medicine and Health Sciences | Neurology

PubMedID

19717030

Department(s)

Department of Medicine, Department of Medicine Faculty

Document Type

Article

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