Magna Neurologica
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2026): July

ISCHEMIC STROKE IN A PATIENT WITH SUSPECTED CERVICAL CANCER: A THERAPEUTIC DILEMMA BETWEEN ANTICOAGULANT OR ANTIPLATELET STRATEGIES IN A RESOURCE-LIMITED SETTING: A RARE CASE REPORT

Yang Yang Endro Arjuna (Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Pelita Harapan, Tangerang, Indonesia)
Vonny Fibrianty Goenawan (Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Pelita Harapan, Tangerang, Indonesia)
Vivien Puspitasari (Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Pelita Harapan, Tangerang, Indonesia)
Yohanes Chandra Kurniawan (Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Pelita Harapan, Tangerang, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 Jul 2026

Abstract

Background: Approximately 5% of strokes with no identifiable cause are linked to previously undiagnosed malignancies. The involvement of multiple vascular territories observed on brain imaging may indicate a hypercoagulable state related to cancer. Early identification is crucial for prompt cancer diagnosis. Case: A 40-year-old woman with no established classic stroke risk factors presented with progressive left-sided weakness and difficulty with speech over three days. She had a history of persistent vaginal bleeding lasting four months. Non-contrast brain CT revealed multiple infarcts affecting the right frontoparietal region, left frontal lobe, and bilateral posterior as well as left anterior internal capsules. An abdominal ultrasound identified a 9.35 × 4.74 cm hypoechoic mass extending from the cervix to the uterus with bladder infiltration, findings highly suggestive of cervical carcinoma. Discussion: Ischemic stroke associated with female reproductive malignancies is rare, with an incidence of around 0.3%. It is mainly caused by cancer-related hypercoagulability due to tumor-derived mucin, procoagulants, and inflammatory cytokines. Multifocal infarcts across various vascular territories may indicate a hypercoagulable state and suggest an underlying malignancy. There is no standardized anticoagulant protocol. Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is commonly used, though its effectiveness varies. Use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and antiplatelets is increasing, showing similar safety and efficacy. Conclusion: To date, there is no definitive antithrombotic of choice for cancer-associated ischemic stroke. The selection of antithrombotic therapy should be carefully tailored based on individual risk factors and the patient's clinical condition.  

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Journal Info

Abbrev

magna-neurologica

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Neuroscience Public Health

Description

Magna Neurologica is a peer-reviewed and open access journal that focuses on promoting neurological sciences generated from basic neurosciences and clinical neurology. This journal publishes original articles, reviews, and also interesting case reports. Brief communications containing short features ...