Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026
05:32
Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model of Stroke
Published on: August 11, 2023
Massive cortico-subcortical ischemic stroke with a consecutive hemorrhagic event: a case report
D Pirici1, Daniela Adriana Ion, L Mogoantă
1Department of Histology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania. daniel.pirici@webmail.umfcv.ro
Summary
A rare case of a large cerebral infarction in an elderly woman with atrial fibrillation led to a sudden pontine hemorrhage. This finding highlights the complex and unpredictable nature of cerebrovascular events.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Presents a rare case of a 78-year-old female patient with a history of atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and heart failure.
- The patient experienced symptoms indicative of a stroke, including headache and left-sided motor impairment.
Observation:
- Initial CT imaging revealed both subacute and old ischemic lesions in the right cerebral hemisphere.
- Despite anticoagulant therapy and monitoring, the patient rapidly deteriorated, becoming comatose and subsequently dying.
- Autopsy confirmed extensive ischemic lesions and a newly developed hemorrhagic site in the pons, a location distant from the primary infarcts.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination identified blood vessels within the ischemic areas lacking glial support.
- The autopsy revealed a rare pontine hemorrhagic event occurring subsequent to the cerebral infarction.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for delayed and distant hemorrhagic complications following large cerebral infarctions, even with appropriate anticoagulation.
- The findings suggest a possible link between vascular integrity issues in ischemic zones and the occurrence of secondary hemorrhages.
- Highlights the critical need for vigilance in managing patients with complex cerebrovascular conditions and potential embolic sources.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
01:17Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
01:15Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
01:15Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
01:29Stroke: Introduction and Types
A stroke is an acute neurological event caused by the sudden disruption of cerebral blood flow, leading to rapid loss of neuronal function. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief interruptions can cause irreversible injury within minutes. Strokes are classified into ischemic and hemorrhagic types.Ischemic StrokeIschemic strokes are most common and occur due to arterial occlusion, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to energy failure, ionic...
01:26Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...