Pretruncal Nonaneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage with Underlying Hemophilia C

Abstract

Background: Pretruncal nonaneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (PNSAH) accounts for 15%-12% of all case of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Its precise etiology is not yet established. Multiple theories and risk factors have been investigated to address the possible cause of this type of hemorrhage including basilar tip dissecting aneurysms, high spinal arteriovenous fistula, venous stenosis/hypertension or venous bleeding. Hereditary coagulopathies and hemophilias have rarely been reported in the literature as a potential cause of PNSAH.

Case description: Here, we reported a rare case of PNSAH with negative angiogram and magnetic resonance imaging who was also found to have hemophilia C (factor XI deficiency) confirmed by laboratory investigation. We also included a literature review of hereditary coagulopathies and their role as a possible cause of PNSAH.

Conclusions: Detailed medical history and physical examination of patients with PNSAH may lead to further hematologic evaluation for this group of patients, as in this case, and may reveal more cases of mild coagulopathy that require treatment.

Keywords: Hemophilia C; Perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage; Pretruncal nonaneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.