Multiple Simultaneous Embolic Cerebral Infarctions 11 Months After COVID-19
Abstract BackgroundThe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to an unprecedented worldwide burden of disease. However, little is known of the longer-term implications and consequences of COVID-19. One of these longer-term complications is a COVID-19 associated coagulopathy that can present as a venous thromboembolism (VTE) and, as yet unreported, multiple paradoxical cerebral emboli. Case PresentationA 51 year old man presented to the emergency department with multiple simultaneous embolic cerebral infarctions 11 months after mild COVID-19. In the subacute phase of the COVID-19 illness the patient developed increasing shortness of breath and was found to have an elevated D-dimer and multiple bilateral segmental pulmonary emboli. He was subsequently treated with 3 months of anticoagulation for a provoked VTE. The patient then presented 11 months after the initial COVID-19 diagnosis with multiple simultaneous cerebral infarctions where no traditional underlying stroke etiology was determined. A patent foramen ovale (PFO) and an elevated D-dimer were found indicating a paradoxical thromboembolic event due to an underlying coagulopathy. ConclusionsThis case report highlights the one of the potentially more serious complications of long-term COVID-19 where VTE due to a persistent coagulopathy is seen almost a year after the initial illness. Due to the highly prevalent nature of PFO in the general population, VTE due to COVID-19 associated coagulopathy could lead to ischemic stroke. This case report therefore highlights the challenge posed by the underlying COVID-19 associated coagulopathy which can persist for many months and beyond from the initial illness.