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Abstract Details

Extensive Carotid Artery Thrombosis in the Setting of COVID-19 Infection
Cerebrovascular Disease and Interventional Neurology
Cerebrovascular Disease and Interventional Neurology Posters (7:00 AM-5:00 PM)
021

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Thrombotic complications have been reported in critically ill patients with coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. Although the mechanism is incompletely understood, abnormal coagulation parameters reflective of a chronic DIC pattern has been shown. We present a unique stroke case of a patient with COVID-19 due to an extensive thrombus in the carotid artery. 


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A 63-year-old African American male with a history of hypertension and coronary artery disease, presented as a stroke alert with sudden onset aphasia and right upper extremity weakness (NIHSS was 11). The time of the onset of his symptoms was unknown, he was not a candidate for IV thrombolysis. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 two weeks prior to his presentation, requiring a 4-day hospitalization with a peak D-dimer of 0.91 mg/L (reference range <0.5mg/L). Inpatient treatment included hydroxychloroquine, antibiotics, and thromboprophylaxis with daily subcutaneous Enoxaparin (40mg). Initial CT head showed ischemic strokes throughout left hemisphere. CT angiogram (CTA) of the head and neck revealed an extensive intraluminal thrombus in the left common carotid artery, extending distally into the petrous portion of the internal carotid artery (ICA). Conservative management with IV Unfractionated Heparin was initiated. Echocardiogram and telemetry monitoring ruled out cardio-embolic causes. The D-dimer was notably increased, 4.75µg/mL (reference range < 0.41µg/mL). Heparin infusion was transitioned to oral anticoagulation with Apixaban 5mg twice daily. The patient was seen 3 months after his stroke. His follow up NIHSS was 3, repeat CTA head and neck showed complete resolution of the ICA thrombus without any underlying significant carotid stenosis and D-dimer was normal, 0.36 µg/mL (reference range < 0.41µg/mL).

Our case of acute ischemic stroke resultant of a COVID-19 induced hypercoagulable state, highlights the knowledge gaps related to COVID-19 thromboembolic manifestations. The optimal approach for anti-thrombotic therapy for patients with COVID-19 is unclear, multiple trials are ongoing. 

Authors/Disclosures
Xi Wang, MD (Avera Medical Group Neurology Sioux Falls)
PRESENTER
Dr. Wang has nothing to disclose.
Sara Strauss, DO (JFK Medical Center Neuroscience Department) Dr. Strauss has nothing to disclose.
Jawad F. Kirmani, MD Dr. Kirmani has nothing to disclose.