Acute Cerebral Stroke with Multiple Infarctions and COVID-19, France, 2020
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|May 27, 2020
Insights
Two coronavirus disease patients experienced presumed thrombotic stroke despite anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation. One patient tested positive for antiphospholipid antibodies, indicating severe stroke risks associated with COVID-19.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation necessitates anticoagulation for stroke prevention.
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been associated with various neurological complications.
- Antiphospholipid antibodies are linked to thrombotic events.
Observation:
- Two cases of presumed thrombotic stroke in COVID-19 patients in France were observed.
- Both patients were undergoing anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation.
- One patient presented with positive antiphospholipid antibodies.
Findings:
- Thrombotic stroke can occur in COVID-19 patients even with anticoagulation.
- The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies may increase stroke risk in this context.
- These cases suggest a complex interplay between COVID-19, anticoagulation, and thrombosis.
Implications:
- COVID-19 poses unique cerebrovascular risks, including stroke.
- Careful consideration of thrombotic risk is needed for COVID-19 patients with atrial fibrillation.
- Further research is warranted to understand and manage COVID-19-associated stroke.
Abstract:
We describe 2 cases in coronavirus disease patients in France involving presumed thrombotic stroke that occurred during ongoing anticoagulation treatment for atrial fibrillation stroke prophylaxis; 1 patient had positive antiphospholipid antibodies. These cases highlight the severe and unique consequences of coronavirus disease-associated stroke.
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