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Transient increase in intrathoracic pressure as a contributing factor to cardioembolic stroke
Hung Youl Seok1, Woo-Keun Seo, Mi-Yeon Eun
1Department of Neurology, Guro Hospital, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea.
Insights
Elevated intrathoracic pressure (ITP) may facilitate cardioembolic stroke. This study examined four young patients where stroke followed increased ITP during activities like coughing or sexual intercourse.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Physiology
Background:
- Increased intrathoracic pressure (ITP) is known to affect hemodynamics.
- The specific impact of elevated ITP on stroke occurrence remains largely uninvestigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential link between elevated ITP and cardioembolic stroke.
- To investigate if common activities can precipitate stroke via increased ITP.
Main Methods:
- Case report analysis of four young patients diagnosed with cardioembolic stroke.
- Review of patient histories to identify preceding events associated with increased ITP.
Main Results:
- All four patients experienced a stroke following a transient increase in ITP.
- These increases in ITP were associated with activities such as coughing, vomiting, or sexual intercourse.
Conclusions:
- Situations involving elevated ITP may facilitate the occurrence of cardioembolic stroke.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking ITP and stroke.
Background:
The hemodynamic effects of increased intrathoracic pressure (ITP) have been the focus of many investigations. However, very little is known about the effects of elevated ITP on the occurrence of stroke.
Case Report:
Four young patients with a cardioembolic source of stroke were examined. In all cases the stroke was preceded by an increase in ITP that occurred during coughing, vomiting, or sexual intercourse.
Conclusions:
We suggest that cardioembolic stroke is facilitated by situations in which ITP is elevated.
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