Ischemic stroke, associated with rheumatoid arthritis – a case report

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with multiple central and peripheral nervous system complications. It can accelerate a carotid stenosis and contribute to cardiac embolism and cerebral vasculitis. We present a case of 56 years old man with acute ischemic stroke (IS), carotid stenosis and progressive multiple organ dysfunction (weight loss, pleural edema, nephritis, cardiac involvement, severe arthritis, polyneuropathy and anemia). The patient was diagnosed with systemic RA with high rheumatoid factor (RF). RA can be considered as an additional risk factor for IS in this case. Conclusion: Along with the classical vascular risk factors for IS, some cases require а search for systemic diseases, including RA. RA may accelerate the risk for IS. In such cases along with antithrombotic therapy, immunomodulatory therapy for the RA should be considered.