Ethiopathogenetic features and course of ischemic stroke associated with COVID-19

Abstract

To analyze etiopathogenetic factors and course of ischemic stroke associated with new coronavirus infection (COVID-19). A retrospective clinical study of 173 patients with ischemic stroke and COVID-19 (main group) and 86 patients with ischemic stroke without COVID-19 (comparison group) was carried out. There were no statistically significant differences in age and gender. All patients underwent standard clinical-instrumental, laboratory and neuroimaging assessments. Compared with the comparison group, patients with COVID-19 were less likely to have cardiovascular risk factors, the difference being statistically significant. Stroke in the main group was more severe than in the comparison group. According to the TOAST classification, an unknown stroke subtype significantly predominated in the main group. Laboratory data in the main group indicated the significance of an increase in renal-hepatic markers (creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase) and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (C-reactive protein). The development of cardiovascular diseases in patients with COVID-19 is an important negative prognostic factor that requires further study to determine the optimal management strategy.