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Pre-Chiasmatic, Single Injection of Autologous Blood to Induce Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in a Rat Model
Published on: June 18, 2021
Acute intermittent porphyria presenting with a subarachnoid haemorrhage
Charles van Heyningen1, David M Simms
1Clinical Laboratories, University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK. charles.vanheyningen@aintree.nhs.uk
Annals of Clinical Biochemistry
|September 11, 2008
Summary
A rare case of acute intermittent porphyria presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to severe hypertension. This highlights the critical link between porphyria attacks and cerebrovascular events.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Genetics
Background:
- Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is a rare genetic metabolic disorder affecting the heme biosynthesis pathway.
- AIP attacks can manifest with diverse neurological symptoms, but subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is an exceptionally rare complication.
Observation:
- A 47-year-old male presented with abdominal pain, neck stiffness, dark urine, and severe transient hypertension.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis and angiography confirmed a diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage.
- Porphyrin studies revealed AIP in the patient and his family.
Findings:
- This case represents the second reported instance of acute hepatic porphyria presenting with SAH.
- Severe transient hypertension during the AIP attack was identified as the cause of intracranial arterial aneurysm rupture.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for severe, life-threatening cerebrovascular complications during AIP attacks.
- Increased awareness and prompt recognition of AIP are crucial for managing hypertensive crises and preventing aneurysmal rupture.
- Further research into the mechanisms linking AIP-induced hypertension and vascular fragility is warranted.
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