- Published
- 03 July 2020
- Journal article
Preceding Infection and Risk of Stroke: An Old Concept Revived by the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Authors
- Source
- International Journal of Stroke
Full text
Abstract
Anecdotal reports and clinical observations have recently emerged suggesting a relationship between COVID-19 disease and stroke; highlighting the possibility that infected individuals may be
more susceptible to cerebrovascular events. In this review we draw on emerging studies of the current pandemic and data from earlier, viral epidemics, to describe possible mechanisms by which
SARS-CoV-2 may influence the prevalence of stroke, with a focus on the thromboinflammatory pathways, which may be perturbed. Some of these potential mechanisms are not novel but are, in
fact, long-standing hypotheses linking stroke with preceding infection that are yet to be confirmed. The current pandemic may present a renewed opportunity to better understand the relationship between infection and stroke and possible underlying mechanisms.
Cite as
South, K., McCulloch, L., McColl, B., Elkind, M., Allan, S. & Smith, C. 2020, 'Preceding Infection and Risk of Stroke: An Old Concept Revived by the COVID-19 Pandemic', International Journal of Stroke, 15(7), pp. 722-732. https://doi.org/10.1177/1747493020943815