Combined deficiency of proteins C and S: ischaemic stroke in young individuals

Munna Lal Patel1, Rekha Sachan, Ganesh Seth

  • 1Department of Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.

BMJ Case Reports
|December 17, 2013
PubMed

Insights

A rare protein C and S deficiency caused a young man's ischemic stroke. This case highlights the importance of considering coagulation disorders in young stroke patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Hematology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Ischemic stroke, often caused by blood clots, is a leading cause of death and disability globally.
  • While common in older adults, stroke in young individuals presents a significant health challenge.
  • Disorders of hypercoagulation are an uncommon cause of ischemic stroke, accounting for 1-8% of cases, particularly in younger populations.

Observation:

  • A 25-year-old male presented with an acute ischemic stroke affecting the right middle cerebral artery territory.
  • Diagnostic evaluation revealed a combined deficiency of protein C and protein S.

Findings:

  • The patient's ischemic stroke was directly attributed to a hypercoagulable state resulting from protein C and S deficiency.
  • This rare genetic condition predisposes individuals to abnormal blood clot formation.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the necessity of investigating coagulation disorders, such as protein C and S deficiency, in young patients experiencing ischemic stroke.
  • Early diagnosis and management of these deficiencies can potentially prevent recurrent cerebrovascular events.
  • Highlights the importance of considering rare genetic factors in the etiology of stroke, even in the absence of traditional risk factors.

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