Intracerebral hemorrhage after IV tPA for stroke as early symptom of ANCA-associated vasculitis

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV) are rare diseases characterized by a necrotizing small-vessel vasculitis and circulating ANCA that comprise granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis, and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) can be a manifestation of central nervous system (CNS) involvement in these diseases. Furthermore, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a potential complication of these necrotizing vasculitides. We describe a case of AAV who presented with acute ischemic stroke and developed multiple ICHs after administration of IV tPA. We propose that patients with AAV are more prone to develop hemorrhage in the presence of IV tPA and discuss the possible underlying pathogenesis. We suggest that AAV should be considered a contraindication for administration of IV tPA. •ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAV) can present with acute ischemic stroke.•Intracerebral hemorrhage is a potential complication of AAV.•IV tPA can increase risk of ICH in patients with AAV.•AAV could be a relative contraindication for administration of IV tPA.