A case of cerebral infarction in association with free protein S deficiency and oral contraceptive use.
The purpose of this article is to describe protein S deficiency as a cause of cerebral infarction in the young adult. We report a 27-year-old previously healthy woman with a primary free protein S deficiency, who developed a left temporoparietal infarction. Protein S is a naturally occurring vitamin K-dependent protein which, in conjunction with active protein C, inhibits the clotting cascade. Protein S deficiency is known to be of clinical significance in patients with deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary emboli and in these patients, treatment is long-term anticoagulation. Protein S deficiency has been found to be associated with cerebrovascular occlusion and may possibly warrant long-term anticoagulation in these patients as well. Measurement of total and free protein S levels should be part of the evaluation for any young adult who has had a stroke.
Lagosky
S
S
National Rehabilitation Hospital, Washington, DC 20010.
Witten
C M
CM
D000328:Adult; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018455:Protein S Deficiency; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000150:complications; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D016306:Vena Cava Filters; D014859:Warfarin / Q000627:therapeutic use
D014859:Warfarin