Rare Genetic Disease, Not Dentist Visit, Caused Man’s Post-Extraction Brain Hemorrhage, Study Finds
PARIS – A man who suffered a cerebral hemorrhage shortly after a routine dental extraction has been found to have a rare genetic disease, CADASIL, as the underlying cause, according to a newly published case study. The incident initially raised concerns about a potential link between dental procedures and intracranial bleeding,but researchers have definitively attributed the hemorrhage to the patient’s pre-existing condition.
The case, detailed by study authors, marks the frist documented instance of an intracranial hemorrhage occurring in a CADASIL patient following dental work. CADASIL (Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy) is a rare, hereditary disease affecting blood vessel walls, reducing cerebral blood flow. It impacts an estimated 2 in 100,000 people and can mimic symptoms of neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis, making diagnosis challenging.
The patient underwent extraction of two teeth.Following the procedure, he experienced a cerebral hemorrhage. Examination revealed a mutation in the Notch3 gene, directly linked to CADASIL. This pathology causes thickening of blood vessel walls and reduced blood flow to the brain. Symptoms can include vision problems and difficulty walking.
While the hemorrhage wasn’t directly caused by the dental extraction, the procedure likely acted as a trigger in a patient already predisposed to bleeding due to the genetic condition. Treatment with medication to control high blood pressure and long-term aspirin therapy to improve cerebral circulation have as helped manage the patient’s symptoms and prevent further strokes. The findings underscore the importance of a thorough medical history, including family history, before any invasive procedure, notably in patients with unexplained neurological symptoms.
