Intra-Arterial Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke Related to the Procoagulant Effect of Warfarin in A Patient with Atrial Fibrillation and Bioprosthetic Valve Replacement

Purpose: Warfarin is associated with paradoxical procoagulant effect that leads to a transient hypercoagulable state and acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This clinical dilemma is further confounded when the patient has multiple comorbidities and the optimal treatment strategies are unclear. Case report: We report a 78-year-old male with valvular heart disease, congestive heart failure, and atrial fibrillation, who received bioprosthetic valve replacement and developed AIS related to the paradoxical procoagulant effect of warfarin. Emergent cerebral angiography with mechanical thrombectomy was performed, and recanalization was successfully achieved. After shifting warfarin to nonvitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOAC), the paradoxical procoagulant effect ameliorated. Conclusion: This report describes the roles of endovascular therapy and NOAC in patients with similar highly complex conditions and has clinical relevance for therapeutic plans in the clinical setting.