04 June 2018
: Case report
Ischemic Stroke Caused by Secondary Polycythemia and Incidentally-Found Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report
Unusual clinical course
Andrew K. Corse1DEF*, Heather Kurtis12DEDOI: 10.12659/AJCR.909322
Am J Case Rep 2018; 19:638-641
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Secondary polycythemia is a potential complication of an erythropoietin-secreting renal cell carcinoma. Increased red blood cell mass can elevate blood viscosity, which can impair blood flow, making individuals susceptible to vaso-occlusive events. One of the serious potential complications of a hyper-viscous state is ischemic stroke.
CASE REPORT: We present the case of a patient who was brought to the Emergency Department with right-sided extremity weakness and slurred speech consistent with acute ischemic stroke. MRI showed acute infarct involving the left corona radiata and posterior limb of the left internal capsule. On admission, he was found to have increased hemoglobin and hematocrit. An ultrasound of his abdomen found a heterogeneous mass of the right kidney, which was confirmed with CT scan. The patient remained in the hospital for 6 days. His hospital course was complicated by the incidental findings of polycythemia and a renal mass consistent with renal cell carcinoma. His hemoglobin and hematocrit remained elevated throughout his hospital course, and his erythropoietin level was found to be elevated as well.
CONCLUSIONS: High blood viscosity is associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular complications, including reduced cerebral blood flow. This case report suggests that polycythemia secondary to an erythropoietin-secreting renal cell carcinoma can lead to ischemic stroke. After surgery to remove the carcinoma, the secondary polycythemia may resolve.
Keywords: Carcinoma, Renal Cell, Erythropoietin, Polycythemia, Stroke
1679 10
Editorial
01 October 2023 : Editorial
Editorial: Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2023 Guidelines for COPD, Including COVID-19, Climate Change, and Air PollutionDOI: 10.12659/MSM.942672
Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e942672
In Press
04 Oct 2023 : Clinical Research
A Retrospective Study of 205 Patients with Complex Kidney Stones to Compare Outcomes from Super-Mini Percut...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.941012
03 Oct 2023 : Clinical Research
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Modic Changes in Symptomatic Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitu...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.941674
03 Oct 2023 : Clinical Research
Time-Dependent Factors Influencing Cardiocerebral Vascular Events in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients: Insight...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.941553
02 Oct 2023 : Clinical Research
Comparison of Nanocrystalline Hydroxyapatite Bone Graft with Empty Defects in Long Bone Fractures: A Retros...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.941112
Most Viewed Current Articles
13 Nov 2021 : Clinical Research
Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination and Its Associated Factors Among Cancer Patients Attending the Oncology ...DOI :10.12659/MSM.932788
Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e932788
30 Dec 2021 : Clinical Research
Retrospective Study of Outcomes and Hospitalization Rates of Patients in Italy with a Confirmed Diagnosis o...DOI :10.12659/MSM.935379
Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e935379
14 Dec 2022 : Clinical Research
Prevalence and Variability of Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E in Patients with Elevated Tryptase LevelsDOI :10.12659/MSM.937990
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e937990
08 Mar 2022 : Review article
A Review of the Potential Roles of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Pharmacological Approaches for the Man...DOI :10.12659/MSM.936292
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e936292