Stroke in the young: relationship with iron deficiency anemia and thrombocytosis

The recognition and treatment of stroke in children is challenging as there are fundamental developmental differences in children compared to adults. A young boy presented with sudden weakness of right side of body followed by unconsciousness and convulsion that was not preceded by any history of fever or trauma. Neurological examination revealed upper motor neuron lesion in the right extremities. CT scan showed diffuse hypodense area in fronto-parietal regions. Complete blood count and iron profile evaluated iron deficiency anemia with thrombocytosis. Thrombosis resulting from thrombocytosis secondary to iron deficiency anemia was considered as etiological explanation of stroke in this young child.