scholarly journals Postpartum vertebral artery dissection: case report and review of the literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas T. Manasewitsch ◽  
Ahmed A. Hanfy ◽  
Bryce D. Beutler ◽  
Daniel Antwi-Amoabeng ◽  
Moutaz Taha ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are associated with vascular complications, including ischemic stroke and cervical artery dissection. Vertebral artery dissection (VAD), however, is rare. We describe a 31-year-old female who presented with vertigo, nausea, and vomiting and was found to have a VAD. In addition, we discuss the presentation, differential diagnosis, and pathogenesis of this uncommon but clinically significant vascular event and summarize other cases of vertebral artery dissection described in the medical literature. Case presentation A 31-year-old Hispanic woman presented 10 days postpartum with a one-day history of vertigo, nausea, vomiting, and frontal headache. The patient’s pregnancy course had been complicated by preeclampsia, chorioamnionitis, and iron-deficiency anemia, and her delivery was complicated by acute hemorrhage. Physical examination was significant for left leg ataxia. Laboratory studies showed marked thrombocytosis. Emergent computed tomography (CT) scan of the head was obtained and revealed a left cerebellar ischemic large vessel stroke. Subsequent CT angiography of the head and neck showed a left VAD. Based on correlation of the clinical history and laboratory and imaging findings, a diagnosis of vertebral artery dissection secondary to reactive (secondary) thrombocytosis from overlapping iron-deficiency anemia and acute hemorrhage was established. The patient was started on a heparin infusion and experienced significant improvement after a four-day hospitalization. Conclusion VAD is a rare but important cause of neurologic symptoms in the postpartum period and should be considered in the differential diagnosis for women who present with headache and/or vertigo. Women aged 30 years or older and those with a history of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy are at particularly high risk. Prompt diagnosis and management of VAD is essential to ensure favorable outcomes.

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Monari ◽  
Stefano Busani ◽  
Maria Giovanna Imbrogno ◽  
Isabella Neri ◽  
Massimo Girardis ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Vertebral artery dissection is an uncommon, but potentially fatal, vascular event. This case aimed to describe the pathogenesis and clinical presentation of vertebral artery dissection in a term pregnant patient. Moreover, we focused on the differential diagnosis, reviewing the available evidence. Case presentation A 39-year-old Caucasian woman presented at 38 + 4 weeks of gestation with a short-term history of vertigo, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms appeared a few days after cervical spine manipulation by an osteopathic specialist. Urgent magnetic resonance imaging of the head was obtained and revealed an ischemic lesion of the right posterolateral portion of the brain bulb. A subsequent computed tomography angiographic scan of the head and neck showed a right vertebral artery dissection. Based on the correlation of the neurological manifestations and imaging findings, a diagnosis of vertebral artery dissection was established. The patient started low-dose acetylsalicylic acid and prophylactic enoxaparin following an urgent cesarean section. Conclusion Vertebral artery dissection is a rare but potential cause of neurologic impairments in pregnancy and during the postpartum period. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis for women who present with headache and/or vertigo. Women with a history of migraines, hypertension, or autoimmune disorders in pregnancy are at higher risk, as well as following cervical spine manipulations. Prompt diagnosis and management of vertebral artery dissection are essential to ensure favorable outcomes.


2009 ◽  
Vol 42 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 343-344
Author(s):  
Tulay Keskin ◽  
Ozlem Hurmeydan ◽  
Yalcin Onder ◽  
Lale Dagdelen ◽  
Nazli Caner ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Radisa Prodanovic ◽  
Sreten Nedic ◽  
Oliver Radanovic ◽  
Vesna Milicevic ◽  
Ivan Vujanac ◽  
...  

Introduction. Neonatal calves are often deficient in iron. Accumulating evidence indicates that iron status is associated with disease pathologies including diarrhea. Our objective was to examine the association between iron status and gut function in neonatal calves with and without a history of calf diarrhea. Materials and Methods. Calves were divided into two groups based on their history of diarrhea; the first group were diarrheic calves (n=6) and the second group were non-diarrheic healthy calves (n=6). Blood samples (n=12) were collected at day 12 of age and erythrogram determination and measurements of serum iron and total iron binding capacity were performed. Hematological values were measured using an automatic analyzer, and biochemical properties were determined spectrophotometrically. Fecal samples were obtained from all calves and pH measured using semi quantitative test strips as well as being examined by bacterial cultivation for enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Clostridium perfringens, by RT-PCR for the presence of bovine rotavirus, bovine coronavirus and bovine viral diarrhea virus, and by microscopy for the presence of Cryptosporidium parvum. Results and Conclusions. There were significant iron-related changes for most hematological indices in diarrheic calves; and iron (Fe) deficiency and microcytic, hypochromic anemia were diagnosed. The pH of the feces was significantly higher in diarrheic calves than in the non-diarrheic healthy group (P<0.01). All fecal samples were negative for the analyzed enteric pathogens. According to the results obtained, calves experiencing iron deficiency anemia exhibit changes in gut function leading to diarrhea as compared with a matched group of healthy calves.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Mina Jahangiri ◽  
Fakher Rahim ◽  
Najmaldin Saki ◽  
Amal Saki Malehi

Objective. Several discriminating techniques have been proposed to discriminate between β-thalassemia trait (βTT) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA). These discrimination techniques are essential clinically, but they are challenging and typically difficult. This study is the first application of the Bayesian tree-based method for differential diagnosis of βTT from IDA. Method. This cross-sectional study included 907 patients with ages over 18 years old and a mean (±SD) age of 25 ± 16.1 with either βTT or IDA. Hematological parameters were measured using a Sysmex KX-21 automated hematology analyzer. Bayesian Logit Treed (BLTREED) and Classification and Regression Trees (CART) were implemented to discriminate βTT from IDA based on the hematological parameters. Results. This study proposes an automatic detection model of beta-thalassemia carriers based on a Bayesian tree-based method. The BLTREED model and CART showed that mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was the main predictor in diagnostic discrimination. According to the test dataset, CART indicated higher sensitivity and negative predictive value than BLTREED for differential diagnosis of βTT from IDA. However, the CART algorithm had a high false-positive rate. Overall, the BLTREED model showed better performance concerning the area under the curve (AUC). Conclusions. The BLTREED model showed excellent diagnostic accuracy for differentiating βTT from IDA. In addition, understanding tree-based methods are easy and do not need statistical experience. Thus, it can help physicians in making the right clinical decision. So, the proposed model could support medical decisions in the differential diagnosis of βTT from IDA to avoid much more expensive, time-consuming laboratory tests, especially in countries with limited recourses or poor health services.


2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 52-57
Author(s):  
Minh Thang Tran ◽  
Minh Toan Le ◽  
Tran Thao Nguyen Nguyen ◽  
Minh Tam Le ◽  
Quang Vinh Truong

A prospective study were identified on 110 pregnants women with iron deficiency anemia, who had treated with iron dose depending on the degree of iron deficiency. We studied in pregnant women aged 6-20 weeks, with no history of medical conditions as well as hematological pathologies. Criteria for diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia is Hb


Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 5143-5143
Author(s):  
Fernando F. Corrales-Medina ◽  
Nidra Rodriguez ◽  
Daniela E Egas-Bejar ◽  
Zoila Valdivia-Ascuna ◽  
Leon Grant ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 5143 Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) is a rare condition with a wide spectrum of non-specific symptoms, which makes it occasionally difficult to diagnose. CSVT has been associated with various etiologies including dehydration, hypercoagulable states, neoplasmic invasion of a venous sinus, intracranial and systemic infections, use of oral contraceptives, puerperium and pregnancy. Although iron deficiency anemia (IDA) has been reported as a cause of CSVT in several pediatric cases, this association is extremely rare. To our knowledge, IDA-associated CSVT in teenagers has been rarely reported. Here, we present the case of a 13-year old female with complete thrombosis of the vein of Galen, the straight sinus, and the left internal cerebral vein related to iron deficiency anemia as a result of severe menorrhagia. She initially presented with three-week history of headaches, nausea and vomiting. She was initially diagnosed and treated for bacterial sinusitis by her primary pediatrician, without symptom relief. She then suffered a syncopal episode, reason why she was evaluated at our institution. Initial laboratories revealed a slightly increased PT (15. 6 secs), hemoglobin of 5. 1 g/dL, MCV 63. 6 and D-dimer 1. 31. Non-contrast brain CT demonstrated no evidence of stroke, hemorrhage or mass. However, an abnormal hyperdensity in the straight sinus, inferior sagittal sinus, vein of Galen, and deep cerebral veins, were suggestive of venous thrombosis. Findings were then confirmed by brain MRI/MRV/MRA and CT angiogram. A bleeding work-up performed based on her history of heavy menses was normal. Her ferritin level was significantly decreased (6 ng/mL). Iron supplementation was initiated as well as progestin-only hormonal therapy for menstrual cycle regulation. The patient's clinical status improved back to baseline during her 8-day admission. She was discharged home on anticoagulation with scheduled follow up. Brain MRI/MRV six months later showed patency of the cerebral veins and dural venous sinuses. IDA should be considered as an underlying cause of CSVT in pediatric patients, particularly in patients with other risk factors for thrombosis including dehydration, regardless of their age. Early recognition and management of CSVT is critical to minimize the possibility of permanent neurologic damage. Physicians should be aware of the non-specific signs and symptoms of CSVT and should have a high index of suspicion in patients with anemia. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


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