J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2010 Mar;47(3):210-212. 10.3340/jkns.2010.47.3.210.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Intracerebral Hematoma due to Sildenafil Ingestion in a Young Adult

• Byoun HS
• Lee YJ
• Yi HJ

• KMID: 2190250
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3340/jkns.2010.47.3.210

Abstract

Sildenafil citrate (Viagra(R); Pfeizer US Pharmaceutical Group, New York, NY, USA) is a potent vasodilating agent to treat male erectile dysfunction. Among its adverse effects, hemorrhagic stroke has not been widely reported yet. We present a case of a 33-year-old healthy man who ingested 50 mg sildenafil a half hour before onset of headache, nervousness and speech disturbance. Head computed tomogram of this stuporous man showed huge intracerebral hemorrhage and thick subarachnoid hemorrhage, but angiography failed to disclose any vascular anomalies. Subsequent surgical procedure was followed, and rehabilitation was provided thereafter. Sildenafil seems to act by redistributing arterial blood flow, and concurrent sympathetic hyperactivity, which lead to such hemorrhagic presentation. Extreme caution should be paid on even in a young adult male patient wven without known risk factors.

Keyword

Intracerebral hemorrhage; Risk factors; Sildenafil; Subarachnoid hemorrhage

MeSH Terms

Adult
Angiography
Anxiety
Cerebral Hemorrhage
Citric Acid
Eating
Erectile Dysfunction
Head
Headache
Hematoma
Humans
Male
New York
Piperazines
Purines
Risk Factors
Stroke
Stupor
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Sulfones
Young Adult
Sildenafil Citrate
Citric Acid
Piperazines
Purines
Sulfones