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
SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19
29 June 2022 : Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.936896
16 June 2022 : Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.936498
13 June 2022 : Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.936889
13 June 2022 : Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.936128
In Press
30 Jun 2022 : Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.936967
30 Jun 2022 : Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.936896
29 Jun 2022 : Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.936313
29 Jun 2022 : Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.935242
Most Viewed Current Articles
23 Feb 2022 : Case report
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.935250
Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e935250
17 Feb 2022 : Case report
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.934399
Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e934399
06 Dec 2021 : Case report
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.934406
Am J Case Rep 2021; 22:e934406
09 Feb 2022 : Case report
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.934744
Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e934744