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Sildenafil-induced spinal cord infarction: a case report
Mohsen Gholami1, Maryam Fard2, Maryam Poursadeghfard3
1Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Acta Neurologica Belgica
|May 18, 2024
Summary
High-dose sildenafil use, without prescription, may cause spinal cord infarction. This rare stroke type occurred in a patient experiencing lumbar pain and leg weakness after self-administering the drug.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Spinal cord infarction is a rare cerebrovascular event.
- Sildenafil (phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor) is used for erectile dysfunction and can cause hypotension.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old male self-administered high-dose sildenafil without a prescription.
- The patient presented with severe lumbar radicular pain and lower limb weakness.
Findings:
- MRI confirmed anterior spinal cord infarction in the thoracic region.
- Sildenafil-induced systemic hypotension was identified as the likely cause.
Implications:
- This case suggests sildenafil as a potential cause of spinal cord infarction, especially at high doses.
- Further research is needed to clarify the link between sildenafil and vascular complications like spinal cord infarction.
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