Angioedema Secondary to IV Tissue Plasminogen Activator Administration for Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background. IV tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is the treatment of choice for ischemic strokes that present within the treatment window. In the majority of patients, this offers an effective and often life-prolonging treatment in the acute setting. In a rare set of patients treated with IV tPA, side effects can be seen. One rare and potentially dangerous side effect is angioedema. Case Report. We present the case of a patient treated for ischemic stroke who developed angioedema and discuss the etiology and risk factors for this rare, but dangerous side effect. Conclusion. Given the frequent and widespread use of tPA, awareness of the rare life-threatening side effects is paramount. This is of particular importance for practitioners in the acute care setting.