title: Factor V Leiden mutation and patent foramen ovale in ischemic stroke.
abstract: We report a 47-years-old male with ischemic stroke, whose arteriographic and echocardiographic investigations did not reveal any steno-occlusive arterial disease or embolic source from the left cardiac chambers. A transesophageal echocardiogram showed a patent foramen ovale (PFO), whilst laboratory screening for coagulation abnormalities showed heterozygosity for factor V Leiden mutation. The significance of the association of PFO with factor V Leiden mutation is discussed as a possible cause of ischemic stroke through paradoxical embolism from a venous source. The high prevalence of these two conditions in the general population is emphasized and the indication for anticoagulant therapy is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, E. Morelli Hospital, Via Zubiani 33, I-23039 Sondalo, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bezzi
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Bolzani
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Compagnoni
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Galimi
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Palmieri
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bianchi
mesh_terms: D020016:Activated Protein C Resistance; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D019320:Embolism, Paradoxical / Q000150:complications; D005165:Factor V / Q000235:genetics*; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006579:Heterozygote; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017354:Point Mutation; D015995:Prevalence; D011859:Radiography; D012307:Risk Factors; D019851:Thrombophilia; D015898:Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; C095381:factor V Leiden; D005165:Factor V