Ischemic stroke complicating cardiac catherization: case report

Ischemic stroke occurs in 0.2-0.4% of patients undergoing left heart catheterization, and is responsible for 5-10% of the mortality associated with the procedure. The main predisposing factors for this complication are female gender, complex atherosclerotic plaques in the ascending aorta, and peripheral arterial disease. The possibility of timely intervention with reperfusion therapy supports close clinical monitoring during the immediate post-catheterization period. The cardiologist should be familiar with the various types of stroke reperfusion therapy and its indications according to the time interval between catheterization and the stroke. The decision should be discussed with neurology and neuroradiology.