1.Clinical characteristics of cerebrovascular disease with COVID-19: A single-center study in Manila, Philippines
Paul Kristian Manog Jaca ; Christine Anne Carandang Chacon ; Raquel Mallari Alvarez
Neurology Asia 2021;26(1):15-25
Background: Among the morbid neurological complications, stroke has been frequently observed in
COVID-19 but there are limited reports, especially in the Philippines. This study aims to determine
the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients with cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Methods: We
performed a single-center retrospective analysis of stroke patients with COVID-19 from March to
August 2020. Results: Of the 584 COVID-19 cases, 27 patients have cerebrovascular disease, with
rate of COVID-19 related CVD at 4.62%. COVID-19 with CVD were younger than those without
COVID-19 (58.23 vs 61.53 years). The median admitting NIHSS was mild for both groups (4 vs 5)
and the vascular risk factors of these groups were similar. The median time of onset of CVD at 7
days from onset of COVID-19. Deranged levels of procalcitonin, D-dimer, ferritin, CRP, and LDH
were elevated and greater in the large artery atherothrombosis. Anti-platelet therapy was given in 4
(20%) while 16 (80%) received anticoagulation. For intracranial hemorrhage, 6 out of 7 (86 %) were
admitted without prior COVID-19 symptom; hence, a causal relationship is difficult to establish.
Conclusion: Less than 5 % of the COVID-19 patients present with CVD. They are younger but share
similar vascular risk factors with COVID-19 negative stroke patients. There is a possible association
between COVID-19 and acute ischemic stroke. Large artery atherothrombosis are more common in
patients with COVID-19 this type showed more deranged laboratory investigation. A causal relationship
between intracranial hemorrhage and COVID-19 is difficult to establish; thus, further study regarding
this is merited.

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