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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
09:42
A Fibrin-Enriched and tPA-Sensitive Photothrombotic Stroke Model
Published on: June 4, 2021
[Essential thrombocythemia as critical stroke risk factor--case report]
Kazimierz Tomczykiewicz1, Jacek Staszewski, Jarosław Wajs
1Wojskowy Instytut Medyczny w Warszawie, CSK MON, Klinika Neurologiczna. kaziura@poczta.onet.pl
Polski Merkuriusz Lekarski : Organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego
|October 24, 2008
Summary
Essential thrombocythemia (ET) can cause stroke. Antiplatelet therapy effectively prevented further ischemic events in a 58-year-old patient whose stroke was the first sign of ET.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Neurology
- Oncology
Background:
- Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by elevated platelet counts.
- ET increases the risk of both thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications, affecting both venous and arterial systems.
- Stroke is a potential, serious manifestation of ET.
Observation:
- A 58-year-old patient experienced two stroke incidents within two months.
- The patient was already receiving acenocoumarole for chronic atrial fibrillation.
- Diagnostic evaluation revealed a significantly elevated platelet count (668,000/ml).
Findings:
- The patient's cerebrovascular events were the initial clinical presentation of undiagnosed ET.
- Standard antithrombotic therapy (acenocoumarole) was ineffective for secondary stroke prevention in this ET patient.
- Antiplatelet therapy demonstrated efficacy in preventing further ischemic events for a 12-month period.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering ET in patients presenting with unexplained stroke, especially with thrombocytosis.
- It underscores the potential inadequacy of anticoagulation alone for stroke prevention in ET.
- Antiplatelet therapy may be crucial for secondary stroke prevention in ET patients, warranting further investigation.
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