Cerebrovascular Diseases Associated With Covid-19 Infection: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency, clinical and radiologic characteristics of cerebrovascular diseases associated with Covid-19 infection. Method: In this retrospective, descriptive study, 514 patients who were treated for cerebrovascular disease in our hospital between September 2020 and May 2022 were reviewed. Among 514 stroke patients, 44 patients who had acute cerebrovascular diseases during Covid-19 infection were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, stroke risk factors, magnetic resonance imaging findings, and laboratory test results were recorded. Results: Of the 500 patients retrospectively analyzed, 44 (8.8%) had a cerebrovascular event during Covid-19 infection. The mean age of the 44 patients included in the study was 72.02±10.36 years. Ischemic stroke was observed in 37 (84.1%) patients, intracranial hemorrhage in 5 (11.4%) patients and transient ischemic attack (TIA) in 2 (4.5%) patients. Anterior system infarcts were observed in 28 (77.8%) and posterior system infarcts in 8 (22.2%) patients with ischemic stroke. The most common infarct was determined as cardioembolic in nature (36.1%). The most common risk factor observed in patients was atherosclerosis and the most preferred treatment modality was acetylsalicylic acid. Conclusion: Cerebrovascular diseases during Covid-19 infection are frequently ischemic strokes involving the anterior system. Close neurological follow-up is recommended during Covid-19 infection, especially in elderly patients with atherosclerotic risk factors.