SIMS Hospital Saves Young Man from Rare Multi-Organ Stroke
Chennai: In a landmark medical intervention, SIMS Hospital successfully treated a 29-year-old man suffering from a recurrent stroke complicated by simultaneous blood clots in his brain, heart, and leg — a presentation described by experts as exceptionally rare.
The patient, previously diagnosed with Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APLA), an autoimmune disorder that increases clotting risk, had suffered a massive stroke in 2022 at age 26. A brief lapse in his medication triggered this second and more severe episode. Recognising early symptoms such as slurred speech, he rushed to SIMS Hospital, enabling timely intervention that proved critical to his recovery.
A multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Prabash Prabhakaran and Dr. Vivek Iyer (Neurology), Dr. Rithesh R. Nair and Dr. S. Selvin (Interventional Neurology), and Dr. Sairam Subramaniam (Vascular Surgery) managed the case. The patient underwent a surgical thrombectomy to remove a clot from the right femoral artery, while clot-dissolving medication was simultaneously administered to treat blockages in the brain and heart.
“This was one of the most complex cases we’ve encountered,” said Dr. Vivek Iyer, Joint Director, Neurology. “A second stroke with concurrent clots in three major organ systems is extremely rare and demanded a highly coordinated, multidisciplinary approach.”
Dr. Prabash Prabhakaran, Director and Senior Consultant, Neurology, emphasised the importance of early action: “Stroke can affect anyone, regardless of age. This patient’s quick response gave us a vital window to intervene and prevent permanent damage.”
Dr. Rithesh R. Nair, Director, Interventional Neurology, added, “Restoring blood flow to all three organs simultaneously was a major challenge. This case highlights the power of advanced interventional techniques in managing multi-site clotting events.”
The patient has been discharged in stable condition and will require lifelong medication and regular follow-up.
India records approximately 1.6 million new stroke cases annually, with rising incidence among individuals under 40. Experts attribute this trend to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, stress, lack of sleep, pollution exposure, and traditional risks like hypertension, diabetes, and smoking.
Doctors noted that stroke treatment has evolved significantly over the past two decades. Techniques like thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy now enable restoration of blood flow even in smaller vessels — but early recognition and hospital arrival remain key to survival.
