COVID-19 Associated Large Vessel Thrombosis and Ischemic Stroke: A Case Series
The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-COV-2) affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate respiratory flu-like illness and recover without the need for hospitalization. However, one of the not uncommonly observed extrapulmonary associations with SARS-COV-2 is developing severe large-vessel acute ischemic stroke. Moreover, COVID-19 virus-linked Cerebrovascular Accidents (CVA) were more severe and resulted in a higher risk for severe disability and mortality following acute insult. Although the pathophysiology is not fully understood, the neuro-targeting nature of SARS-COV-2 due to vascular injury and the hyperimmune response were plausible proposed mechanisms. Further research is warranted to have a deep insight into the possible mechanisms. Herein, we review the current literature and describe five patients we have encountered during the SARS-COV-2 viral pandemic.