Development of multifocal ischemic stroke after cessation of anticoagulant therapy in a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome

Abstract

The clinical case presents a young patient with antiphospholipid syndrome, which was the cause of recurrent acute ischemic cerebrovascular accidents and pathology of pregnancy. During the clinical and laboratory examination, the patient was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus. To determine the etiology of ischemic strokes and recurrent pregnancy loss, the patient underwent an immunological blood test which led to diagnosing the antiphospholipid syndrome. The patient failed to comply with the doctor's recommendations for taking an anticoagulant in the early postpartum period that resulted in the development of multifocal ischemic stroke. After treatment, the patient's condition improved, focal neurological symptoms partially regressed, and laboratory parameters returned to normal. As a secondary prevention of thrombosis, the patient was prescribed anticoagulant therapy.

Keywords

• stroke
• antiphospholipid syndrome
• systemic lupus erythematosus
• anticoagulant therapy