Inherited protein C deficiency and nonhemorrhagic arterial stroke in young adults.
Out of a consecutive series of 50 young people less than 45 years old with nonhemorrhagic arterial stroke, three patients had inherited protein C deficiency. CT revealed hypodense areas consistent with the clinical picture, and angiography showed occlusion of some intracranial arterial vessels. Other possible associated causes of stroke were ruled out. One patient had a transient ischemic attack and a peripheral venous thrombosis prior to the actual stroke, whereas the others were completely asymptomatic, as were relatives with the same deficiency. We suggest determining protein C in ischemic stroke of all young adults, especially when major risk factors are excluded.
Camerlingo
M
M
Divisione di Neurologia 2a, Ospedali Riuniti, Bergamo, Italy.
Finazzi
G
G
Casto
L
L
Laffranchi
C
C
Barbui
T
T
Mamoli
A
A
D000328:Adult; D001158:Arteries; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020151:Protein C Deficiency; D011859:Radiography