Paradoxical Consequence of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Misuse


Pektezel M. Y., BAS D. F., TOPÇUOĞLU M. A., ARSAVA E. M.

JOURNAL OF STROKE & CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASES, vol.24, no.1, 2015 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

Abstract

Recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is commonly misused as a weight reducing or performance enhancing agent but is associated with increased risk of thromboembolic events. A 29-year-old female with a history of obesity was admitted to our center with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke. Etiologic workup revealed a large patent foramen ovale and history of recent use of hCG as part of a weight loss regimen. This report highlights the potential complications of hCG therapy, particularly when used for unapproved indications and without medical supervision.