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[Osler's disease--a risk factor for stroke]
Morten Andreas Horn1, Kjell Arne Hugaas, Rolf Salvesen
1Nevrologisk avdeling, Nordlandssykehuset, Bodø. morten.horn@ulleval.no
Summary
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (Osler's disease) can cause stroke. Lung arteriovenous fistulas may lead to brain emboli, necessitating treatment to prevent further strokes.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Neurology
- Genetics
- Cardiology
Background:
- Osler's disease (Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia) is an inherited vascular disorder.
- Characterized by bleeding from various sites and potential abnormal intracerebral vessels.
Observation:
- A patient with Osler's disease and recurrent epistaxis experienced a cerebellar infarction without other stroke risk factors.
- An arteriovenous fistula in the right lung was identified as the likely source of a cerebellar embolus.
Findings:
- Endovascular occlusion successfully treated the pulmonary arteriovenous fistula, preventing further embolic events.
- This case highlights a rare but significant cause of embolic stroke.
Implications:
- Pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas should be considered in patients with embolic stroke and Osler's disease.
- Effective secondary prophylaxis is available for this stroke etiology.