Ischaemic Stroke in The Second Trimester Of Pregnancy : A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Stroke in pregnancy may cause substantial risks and effects to the mother and foetus. Pregnancy related ischaemic stroke following arterial occlusion had been reported to be more common compared to pregnancy associated haemorrhagic stroke. Various underlying conditions and factors may contribute towards the risk of developing ischaemic stroke in pregnancy. Inevitably, ischaemic stroke in pregnancy would have a significant impact on the antenatal and obstetric care of the patients.We present a case report to illustrate a rare case of ischaemic stroke occurring in the second trimester of pregnancy. A 36 years old lady, gravida 3 para 2 with no omorbidities was diagnosed with left middle cerebral artery infarction at 16 weeks period of amenorrhea which was relatively early compared to the usual presentation of ischaemic stroke at third trimester or postpartum. Investigations to ascertain the possible underlying causes and associated risk factors did not reveal any significant findings. She was prescribed with aspirin until 38 weeks period of gestation with no bleeding complication reported.