Patients with polycythemia vera are at high risk for vaso-occlusive events including cerebral ischemia and hemorrhage. Cerebral ischemic events are due to increased blood viscosity and platelet activation within the central nervous system arterial vessels. We present a case of a 65-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with seizures followed by left-sided weakness. Hematologic investigations revealed a hyperviscous state, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was consistent with bilateral hemorrhagic infarction. Genetic studies were positive for polycythemia vera mutation. Symptoms improved with phlebotomy and antiplatelet agents. Through this case, we aim to highlight polycythemia vera as a cause of hemorrhagic stroke and the importance of blood counts in the routine evaluation of the same.

No abstract

Although bee stings can cause local reactions, neurovascular complications are rare. The venom toxins of honeybee cause anaphylactic allergic reactions and both cerebral infarction and hemorrhage. Diverse pathophysiological mechanisms have been postulated for the occurrence of these strokes. A 50-year-old man developed a focal neurologic deficit 6 h after a bee sting, which was confirmed to be acute cerebral infarction on magnetic resonance imaging scan.