Severe Respiratory Alkalosis in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Rare Presentation

Respiratory alkalosis is a rare but severe complication of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). In ischemic stroke, respiratory alkalosis results from hyperventilation due to the effect of stroke on the respiratory center. We report a case of a young male who presented with acute encephalopathy. Work-up revealed ischemic infarcts in the bilateral cerebellar and left posterior cerebral artery territory. Arterial blood gas (ABG) showed severe respiratory alkalosis with a pH of 7.72. Alkalosis resolved with mechanical ventilation. Such a high pH associated with AIS has not been reported in the medical literature so far. The index case highlights the severity of respiratory alkalosis that can be caused by an AIS. We conclude that early diagnosis and management of severe respiratory alkalosis is crucial for survival and recovery.