Rivaroxaban in Recurrent Ischemic Stroke Due to Protein S Deficiency: A Case Report

Protein S deficiency is a thrombophilia associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism. Previous studies have shown its role as a predisposing factor for venous thromboembolism, but its role in recurrent arterial ischemic stroke remains uncertain. Here we report a patient with recurrent ischemic stroke due to protein S deficiency. Oral anticoagulant treatment with vitamin K antagonist (VKA) drugs is used to treat and prevent thromboembolic events caused by thrombophilia, but it has many limitations, especially in the case of recurrent thromboembolic events. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have many advantages over VKA. Previous studies have shown that they are safe in cases of thrombophilia, but they are not well studied in recurrent ischemic stroke due to protein S deficiency. In this study our patient was treated with rivaroxaban. Protein S deficiency may be a predisposing factor in recurrent ischemic stroke, and rivaroxaban can be a safe and effective treatment option. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.