Questions posted in the Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Question Title: Stroke - 2nd opinion & Lupus Anticoagulant

Forum: Neurology Forum
Topic: Lupus

Re: Stroke - 2nd opinion & Lupus Anticoagulant

Re: Stroke - 2nd opinion & Lupus Anticoagulant



Posted by CCF Neuro MD# on February 20, 1998 at 10:56:28:

In Reply to: Stroke - 2nd opinion & Lupus Anticoagulant posted by Lisa on February 20, 1998 at 02:09:33:

: Hi!

I posted before as 29 & had stroke(2/6/98), I have since seen another neurologist and they don't agree with the initial diagnosis (dissection of left vertebral artery and birth defective right vertebral artery).
This neurologist stated that a dissection in the vertebral artery is rare, usually in - then he pointed to the side of his neck.
Also he stated that the angio film didn't look like a dissection.

The neurologist wants to rule out Lupus Anticoagulant.
I've found info on the net, but I have not had any of the prior "Lupus"
symptoms as far as I know.

How common is a stroke caused by Lupus Anticoagulant? And how does it
cause the stroke if it's "anticoagulant"? I thought "anti" would mean that my blood wouldn't coagulate.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!


=
This is a confusingly named test, largely because the antibody is not
exclusively found in lupus, only a minority of patients with the antibody
actually have lupus, so it is not surprising that you do not have symptoms of lupus.
The term lupus anticoagulant is used because this antibody has very complex
interactions with the clotting system and prolongds the clotting time in
one particular laboratory test,its other effects unfortunately include causing
an increased incidence of thrombosis, including stroke.
Data is scanty but this is probably responsible for stroke on 5-10% of
people with strokes before the age of 50
Lisa





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