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Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses
Published on: November 10, 2023
Coronavirus disease 2019 and stroke
Thabele M Leslie-Mazwi1, Kittipong Srivatanakul2
1Department of Neurology, 7284University of Washington, USA.
Insights
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects neurological and vascular systems, impacting acute stroke care. Understanding direct and indirect effects is crucial for optimizing stroke treatment during the pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a multisystem illness with significant neurological and vascular implications.
- The pandemic has highlighted the complex interaction between viral infections and cerebrovascular events, particularly acute stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the multifaceted impact of COVID-19 on acute stroke.
- To differentiate between direct and indirect effects of COVID-19 on stroke pathophysiology and care.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on COVID-19's effects on the cerebrovascular system.
- Analysis of direct viral effects (tissue invasion, inflammation) and indirect effects (healthcare system disruption) on stroke.
Main Results:
- Direct effects include coagulopathies, endotheliitis, systemic inflammation, and plaque instability, potentially leading to long-term cardiovascular issues.
- Indirect effects significantly disrupt all facets of acute stroke care delivery.
- Both direct and indirect impacts necessitate a focused approach within stroke systems of care.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 presents a dual threat to acute stroke patients through direct physiological damage and indirect disruption of care.
- Stroke systems must adapt to mitigate these impacts for improved patient outcomes.
Abstract:
The multisystem nature of coronavirus disease 2019 has become increasingly clear over the course of the pandemic. Both the neurological and vascular systems are affected, impacting acute stroke. This impact can be conceptualised as direct and indirect effects of the disease. The direct effects of coronavirus disease 2019 on stroke are thought to relate to receptor-mediated tissue invasion and the marked inflammatory response to the presence of the virus. These effects include coagulopathies, endotheliitis, systemic inflammation and atherosclerotic plaque instability, with possibly long-term cardiovascular effects. The indirect effects impact all aspects of stroke care delivery. These extend far beyond the direct effects of coronavirus disease 2019, and represent an essential focus for stroke systems of care. In this article, we detail the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on acute stroke.
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