Intracranial Hemorrhage Associated with Sildenafil Use: A Very Rare Complication

Abstract

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) (International Classification of Diseases, 9 th Revision) is a neurological deficit documented by brain CT or MRI showing the presence of an intracranial bleed in the parenchyma of the brain. ICH is a serious cerebrovascular condition associated with high mortality and morbidity in adults It can be classified as primary and secondary according to etiology. Primary intracranial hemorrhage often develops due to hypertension or amyloid angiopathy. Secondary intracranial hemorrhage causes are often tumor, aneurysm and vascular anomalies. Trauma is the most common reason of seconder ICH. Sildenafil citrate is a potent vasodilator agent used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Among its side effects, intracranial hemorrhage is a very rare complication. We present a case of a 54-year-old patient who was brought to the emergency department due to nausea, vomiting and confusion after the use of sildenafil. The patient was diagnosed with intracranial hemorrhage in the setting of sildenafil use after excluding other causes.

Sildenafil Use and Cigarette Smoking Associated with Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Rare Case Report

“…3 Sildenafil citrate has emerged as one of the first medications to address male erectile dysfunction, as the male erection occurs when there is an increase in arterial blood flow to the muscle tissue of the penis, while venous blood flow is obstructed. 4 Similarly, sildenafil affects other areas of the body and can result in side effects such as headaches, flushing, and visual disturbances due to cerebral vasodilation. 5 Smoking is a known and significant risk factor for other vascular diseases, such as peripheral and cardiac vascular disease.…”

“…Other adverse effects include dyspepsia, respiratory infection, lightheadedness, and abnormalities of the vision and retina. Changes in pulmonary blood flow indicate that the medication has caused a systemic vasodilation 4.…”