Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 9, 2026

Modeling Spontaneous Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma mRCC in Mice Following Nephrectomy
11:27

Modeling Spontaneous Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma mRCC in Mice Following Nephrectomy

Published on: April 29, 2014

17.2K

Ischemic Stroke Caused by Secondary Polycythemia and Incidentally-Found Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report

Andrew K Corse1, Heather Kurtis1,2

  • 1Department of Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA.

The American Journal of Case Reports
|June 5, 2018
PubMed

BACKGROUND Secondary polycythemia is a potential complication of an erythropoietin-secreting renal cell carcinoma. Increased red blood cell mass can elevate blood viscosity, which can impair blood flow, making individuals susceptible to vaso-occlusive events. One of the serious potential complications of a hyper-viscous state is ischemic stroke. CASE REPORT We present the case of a patient who was brought to the Emergency Department with right-sided extremity weakness and slurred speech consistent with acute ischemic stroke. MRI showed acute infarct involving the left corona radiata and posterior limb of the left internal capsule. On admission, he was found to have increased hemoglobin and hematocrit. An ultrasound of his abdomen found a heterogeneous mass of the right kidney, which was confirmed with CT scan. The patient remained in the hospital for 6 days. His hospital course was complicated by the incidental findings of polycythemia and a renal mass consistent with renal cell carcinoma. His hemoglobin and hematocrit remained elevated throughout his hospital course, and his erythropoietin level was found to be elevated as well. CONCLUSIONS High blood viscosity is associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular complications, including reduced cerebral blood flow. This case report suggests that polycythemia secondary to an erythropoietin-secreting renal cell carcinoma can lead to ischemic stroke. After surgery to remove the carcinoma, the secondary polycythemia may resolve.

More Related Videos

Evaluating Cell Death Signaling by Immunofluorescence in a Rat Model of Ischemic Stroke11:32

Evaluating Cell Death Signaling by Immunofluorescence in a Rat Model of Ischemic Stroke

Published on: January 3, 2025

1.6K
Comparing Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Model Established in Mouse Kidney and on Chicken Chorioallantoic Membrane05:36

Comparing Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Model Established in Mouse Kidney and on Chicken Chorioallantoic Membrane

Published on: February 8, 2020

9.5K

Related Concept Videos

Secondary Active Transport01:55

Secondary Active Transport

One example of how cells use the energy contained in electrochemical gradients is demonstrated by glucose transport into cells. The ion vital to this process is sodium (Na+), which is typically present in higher concentrations extracellularly than in the cytosol. Such a concentration difference is due, in part, to the action of an enzyme “pump” embedded in the cellular membrane that actively expels Na+ from a cell. Importantly, as this pump contributes to the high concentration of...
138.1K
Secondary Active Transport01:32

Secondary Active Transport

One example of how cells use the energy contained in electrochemical gradients is demonstrated by glucose transport into cells. The ion vital to this process is sodium (Na+), which is typically present in higher concentrations extracellularly than in the cytosol. Such a concentration difference is due, in part, to the action of an enzyme "pump" embedded in the cellular membrane that actively expels Na+ from a cell. Importantly, as this pump contributes to the high concentration of...
9.7K
Primary and Secondary Growth in Roots and Shoots03:02

Primary and Secondary Growth in Roots and Shoots

Vascular plants, which account for over 90% of the Earth’s vegetation, all undergo primary growth—which lengthens roots and shoots. Many land plants, notably woody plants, also undergo secondary growth—which thickens roots and shoots.
60.6K
Secondary Healthcare System01:11

Secondary Healthcare System

Secondary healthcare is offered by a specialist, generally in hospitals or clinics for patients referred by primary healthcare providers. It occurs when a person has an illness or injury that requires specific medical care. Secondary care is often referred to as acute care. Secondary care can range from uncomplicated care to repair a minor laceration or treat a strep throat infection to more complicated emergent care, such as treating a head injury sustained in an automobile accident. Whatever...
2.1K
Secondary Distribution01:25

Secondary Distribution

Secondary distribution systems provide electrical energy at the utilization voltage levels from distribution transformers to customer meters. Typical secondary voltages in the United States include 120/240 V for residential use, 208Y/120 V for residential and commercial use, and 480Y/277 V for industrial and high-rise commercial use.
In residential areas, 120/240 V single-phase, three-wire service is commonly used for lighting, outlets, and large appliances. Urban areas with high-density loads...
582
Secondary Lymphoid Organs01:15

Secondary Lymphoid Organs

Secondary organs, including lymph nodes, the spleen, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), work harmoniously to protect us from disease and infection.
The spleen is a vital organ in the lymphatic system, nestled in the upper left side of the abdomen. It is composed of two primary regions: the red pulp and the white pulp, each having distinct functions. The red pulp performs a significant role in blood filtration. It efficiently purges the blood of old or damaged red blood cells and...
9.5K