Epidemiology, pathogenesis, and management of Coronavirus disease 2019-associated stroke

Front Med. 2023 Dec;17(6):1047-1067. doi: 10.1007/s11684-023-1041-7. Epub 2024 Jan 2.

Abstract

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic has triggered a huge impact on healthcare, socioeconomics, and other aspects of the world over the past three years. An increasing number of studies have identified a complex relationship between COVID-19 and stroke, although active measures are being implemented to prevent disease transmission. Severe COVID-19 may be associated with an increased risk of stroke and increase the rates of disability and mortality, posing a serious challenge to acute stroke diagnosis, treatment, and care. This review aims to provide an update on the influence of COVID-19 itself or vaccines on stroke, including arterial stroke (ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke) and venous stroke (cerebral venous thrombosis). Additionally, the neurovascular mechanisms involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection and the clinical characteristics of stroke in the COVID-19 setting are presented. Evidence on vaccinations, potential therapeutic approaches, and effective strategies for stroke management has been highlighted.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; cerebral venous thrombosis; hemorrhagic stroke; ischemic stroke; stroke; vaccination.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / complications
  • Humans
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Stroke* / epidemiology
  • Stroke* / etiology
  • Stroke* / therapy