A case of putaminal petechial hemorrhage manifesting as transient hemiparesis

Abstract

A 48-year-old woman presented with putaminal petechial hemorrhage manifesting as transient hemiparesis. She suddenly developed dysarthria and left hemiparesis, and was transferred to our hospital. On admission, her symptoms had almost completely resolved. However, 10 hours after the onset, left hemiparesis recurred without hematoma growth. She recovered completely within 3 days. The transient neurological dysfunctions were probably caused by mass effects and secondary ischemia rather than direct tissue damage. Putaminal petechial hemorrhage may manifest as transient symptoms like ischemic attack. Therefore, petechial hemorrhage should be considered even if the patient suffers only transient neurological dysfunctions.