Long COVID? Fatal case report of ischemic stroke and pulmonary embolism post COVID-19 infection

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) may lead to post-COVID syndrome a few weeks to months after the infection with various symptoms. Post-COVID thromboembolic syndrome may be a result of coagulopathy that occurs in both the arterial and venous circulation. Apart from direct cellular infection, post-COVID syndrome may occur due to immune system dysregulation, endothelial injury, and hypercoagulability, leading to thrombosis. We present a 32-year-old man who was diagnosed with mild symptoms of COVID-19 infection 4 months before an acute ischemic stroke and an asymptomatic pulmonary embolism. A COVID-19 antigen test was negative. An analysis of prothrombotic factors was negative. He could not receive any therapeutic intervention before his demise. The extent of COVID-19 infection after the onset of symptoms is a mystery and poses a fatal concern due to the increasing number of complications. The long-term complications after COVID-19 infection are still not understood. Clinicians need to be aware of any signs and symptoms that may arise months after COVID-19 infection and its possible causal relationship.

Keywords

• Ischemic stroke
• Pulmonary embolism
• Thromboembolism
• COVID-19
• SARS-CoV-2
• Tanzania