Which of the following is a potential stroke risk related to cardiac catheterization?

• A. Stroke (dislodged clot/bubble in catheter)
• B. Anaphylaxis unrelated to contrast
• C. Chronic cough months after procedure
• D. Transient insomnia after procedure

Answer: (A)

A stroke risk during cardiac catheterization comes from the possibility that material in the arteries can be disturbed by the catheters. When a catheter or guidewire moves through the aorta or coronary arteries, atherosclerotic plaque or existing thrombus can be dislodged. Those emboli, or even air bubbles that may enter the catheter system, can travel to cerebral vessels and cause an ischemic stroke. This is a recognized risk of the procedure because it involves manipulating vessels that may harbor debris or air.

Other options don’t fit this specific stroke risk. Anaphylaxis to contrast is a severe allergic reaction that affects systemic circulation but is not a direct mechanism for an acute stroke. Chronic cough months after the procedure and transient insomnia after the procedure are not typical mechanisms or risks for stroke.