Ischemic stroke related to anabolic abuse

Clin Neuropharmacol. 2008 Mar-Apr;31(2):80-5. doi: 10.1097/WNF.0b013e3180ed4485.

Abstract

Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse increased in recent years, and it is associated with numerous adverse effects. Few reports on ischemic stroke related to anabolic steroid abuse have been published. We report a case of a 26-year-old male amateur athlete who suffered a posterior territory ischemic stroke. No abnormalities were found in angiography and echocardiography studies, neither in hemostatic profile. His only significant risk factor was nonmedical use of stanozolol, an anabolic steroid. Anabolic steroids are capable of increasing vascular tone, arterial tension, and platelet aggregation; therefore, they are prone to produce atherothrombotic phenomena. Because of young people's widespread use of anabolic steroids, physicians should be aware of this kind of complication.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anabolic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Stanozolol / adverse effects*
  • Stroke / etiology*
  • Stroke / pathology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / etiology

Substances

  • Anabolic Agents
  • Stanozolol