Multiple ischemic stroke with pulmonary embolism revealing severe COVID-19 infection in a young healthy patient

Abstract

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) disease has caused significant morbidity and mortality worldwide since its emergence in December 2019. Despite its respiratory tropism; there is a nontrivial relationship between this virus and the neurovascular system exposing patients to higher morbidity and mortality. We report the case of a young patient admitted for hemiplegia with acute respiratory failure, in whom imaging found multiple ischemic strokes with pulmonary embolism and severe involvement suggestive of COVID-19 pneumopathy. Stroke in the context of COVID-19 infection has distinct characteristics in terms of disease mechanism, patient demographics, but also clinical, biological, and neuroradiological specificities. The pathogenesis and optimal management of COVID-19-associated ischemic stroke remain unclear, but the coagulopathy and endotheliopathy triggered by the cytokine storm represent possible target mechanisms.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• Ischemic stroke
• Coagulopathy
• Neuroinflammation