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Coronavirus disease 2019 infection and cerebrovascular diseases: an update on the pathophysiology and management
1Neurology Department, Barrow Neurological Institute, 240W Thomas Road, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
Insights
COVID-19 infection can cause stroke through various mechanisms, including cytokine storms and hypoxia. Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing this devastating neurological complication.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- COVID-19 pandemic presents significant neurological challenges, with stroke being a common and severe manifestation.
- Understanding the link between COVID-19 and cerebrovascular disease is critical for patient outcomes.
Approach:
- This review synthesizes current information on the mechanisms, diagnosis, and management of COVID-19-related stroke.
- It examines the latest findings on thromboembolism and its association with COVID-19 infection.
Key Points:
- COVID-19-associated stroke mechanisms include cytokine storm, hypoxia-induced ischemia, thrombotic microangiopathy, and endothelial damage.
- The infection can directly trigger stroke or exacerbate existing conditions, leading to thromboembolism.
- Current guidelines for antithrombotic therapy in COVID-19 stroke are lacking.
Conclusions:
- Physicians must remain vigilant for stroke symptoms in COVID-19 patients.
- Prompt diagnosis and early intervention are essential for managing COVID-19-related cerebrovascular events.
- Further research is needed to establish clear treatment protocols for stroke prevention and management in this population.
Purpose Of Review:
COVID-19 is an ongoing global pandemic since it was first discovered in 2020. Cerebral vascular disease and stroke are among the most common and devastating neurological manifestations of COVID-19. This review offers an up-to-date information on the possible underlying mechanism of COVID-19-related stroke, its diagnosis, and management.
Recent Findings:
The thromboembolism associated with COVID-19 infection is likely related to the cytokine storm with innate immune activation, pulmonary disease leading to hypoxia-induced ischemia, thrombotic microangiopathy, endothelial damage and multifactorial activation of the coagulation cascade. Currently, there is no clear guidelines on the use of antithrombotics for the prevention and treatment of this phenomenon.
Summary:
COVID-19 infection can directly cause a stroke or facilitate the formation of thromboembolism in the presence of other medical conditions. Physicians treating patients with COVID-19 should stay vigilant about the signs and symptoms of stroke, detect and treat early.
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