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Published on: November 26, 2013
Stroke Thrombectomy in Patients with COVID-19: Initial Experience in 13 Cases
R Pop1,2, A Hasiu3, F Bolognini4
1From the Interventional Neuroradiology Department (R.P., A.H., D.M., R.B.) pop.raoul@gmail.com.
Insights
Mechanical thrombectomy for ischemic stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increased mortality and thrombotic complications. Full personal protection measures are recommended for healthcare providers treating these patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacted healthcare delivery globally.
- Early pandemic phases saw unique challenges in managing acute conditions like ischemic stroke.
- Comprehensive stroke units faced a surge in patients with COVID-19 requiring advanced interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy in ischemic stroke patients with COVID-19.
- To assess the incidence of thrombotic complications and mortality in this patient cohort.
- To determine the necessity of enhanced personal protection measures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy for ischemic stroke.
- Inclusion criteria: confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis during the early pandemic period (March 1 - April 26, 2020).
- Data collected on patient outcomes, thrombotic complications, and mortality.
Main Results:
- 13 cases of ischemic stroke with COVID-19 undergoing mechanical thrombectomy were identified.
- These cases represented 38.2% of all thrombectomies performed during the study period.
- A high incidence of thrombotic complications and increased mortality was observed during hospitalization.
Conclusions:
- Mechanical thrombectomy in COVID-19 patients with ischemic stroke is associated with significant risks.
- Increased mortality and thrombotic events highlight the severity of the condition in this population.
- Systematic implementation of full personal protection measures is strongly advised for healthcare professionals.
Abstract:
We performed a retrospective review in both comprehensive stroke units of a region affected early by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, between March 1 and April 26, 2020, including patients with COVID-19 who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for ischemic stroke. We identified 13 cases, representing 38.2% of 34 thrombectomies performed during this period. We observed increased mortality and a high incidence of thrombotic complications during hospitalization. Given the high rate of infected patients, systematic use of full personal protection measures seems justified.
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