Xylometazoline Induced Isolated Left Medial Cerebellar Peduncle Infarct: A Rare Case Report

Xylometazoline, a sympathomimetic available as over the counter drug, acts as a nasal decongestant and has been reported as an independent risk factor for hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. The chronic use of xylometazoline leads to either increased release of more potent vasoconstrictor norepinephrine in the presynaptic region, or acts directly on central adrenoreceptors which leads to dysfunction resulting in chronic progressive vasculopathy that manifests as an ischemic stroke. Sympathomimetics also activate 12-lipoxygenase pathways which induce proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells. 12-lipoxgenase also plays a significant role in regulating the degree and stability of platelet activation, as its activation significantly strengthens platelet activation and uncontrolled platelet activation, which may lead to myocardial infraction and stroke. The present case reports a rare case of young adult suffering from isolated left medial cerebellar peduncle infarct related to the chronic use of xylometazoline. Acute cerebellar stroke is rare, especially in young adults and represent only 3% of total ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Clinical symptoms, patient age at the onset of stroke, and lesion size had no significant effect on the clinical outcome. Symptoms are frequently underestimated and misdiagnosed which further lead to serious complications and poor functional outcomes.