Improper Use of Thrombolytic Agents in Acute Hemiparesis Following Misdiagnosis of Acute Ischemic Stroke

OBJECTIVE: Acute hemiparesis is often an early presentation of acute ischemic stroke, though it can occur in various disorders. This study aimed to investigate the improper use of thrombolytic agents for patients with acute hemiparesis, following the misdiagnosis of acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: We analyzed the clinical and radiological data of nine patients initially misdiagnosed with cerebral stroke in the emergency room from May 2013 to January 2017. All the patients were treated with tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) owing to the presence of acute hemiparesis. Subsequently, emergent computed tomography scan showed no intracranial hemorrhage. Clinical findings including neurological deficits, clinical course, and related complications were detected and analyzed. RESULTS: Acute hemiparesis was observed in the following conditions: spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma, Brown-Séquard syndrome caused by cervical disc herniation, cervical epidural abscess, hypoglycemia in the presence of an old stroke, and seizure or convulsion disorder. Although acute hemiparesis was regarded as a contraindication, inappropriate TPA administration did not aggravate the neurological condition in any of the patients who required surgery. CONCLUSION: Upon presentation of acute hemiparesis, various conditions mimicking cerebral stroke should be considered to avoid misdiagnosis. We suggest that physicians should exercise caution when prescribing thrombolytic agents.