Angioedema Secondary to IV Tissue Plasminogen Activator Administration for Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND: IV tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is the treatment of choice for ischemic strokes that present within the treatment window. In the majority of patients, this offers an effective and often life-prolonging treatment in the acute setting. In a rare set of patients treated with IV tPA, side effects can be seen. One rare and potentially dangerous side effect is angioedema. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a patient treated for ischemic stroke who developed angioedema and discuss the etiology and risk factors for this rare, but dangerous side effect. CONCLUSION: Given the frequent and widespread use of tPA, awareness of the rare life-threatening side effects is paramount. This is of particular importance for practitioners in the acute care setting.