Intracranial hemorrhage in critically ill patients hospitalized for COVID-19

In this study, we report three cases of spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage in patients who were initially hospitalized at our tertiary care center in Washington, DC with symptoms of COVID-19. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection was diagnosed in all three patients, who were critically ill, requiring intubation and ventilatory support. During their protracted hospitalizations, subsequent imaging disclosed intracranial hemorrhages, including intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhages, in the context of anticoagulation and coagulopathy. We believe this is related to the tropism of SARS-CoV-2 to the endothelial lining of the cerebral vasculature via their angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) II receptors. Given our findings, we advocate heightened vigilance for intracerebral hemorrhage events, and scanning when practicable, in COVID-19 patients which have prolonged ventilatory support and depressed neurologic examinations.     

Aspirin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage in a patient with CADASIL

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a hereditary disease characterized by ischemic stroke, cognitive impairment, migraine and neuropsychological deficit. Although intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has been described in patients with CADASIL, the cause of such ICH is still unknown. We present a 39-year-old man with CADASIL who had two years history of untreated hypertension. In this patient, acute ICH developed only two weeks after the initiation of aspirin. Brain images demonstrated a 3cmx3cm hyperacute ICH in the left temporal lobe at the site of previous old hemorrhage. The presence of cerebral microbleed and use of antithrombotics may be associated with development of ICH in patients with CADASIL.     

Mild encephalopathy with reversible splenium lesion (MERS) in a patient with COVID-19

Neurological complications of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) are common, and novel manifestations are increasingly being recognized. Mild encephalopathy with reversible splenium lesion (MERS) is a syndrome that has been associated with viral infections, but not previously with COVID-19. In this report, we describe the case of a 69 year-old man who presented with fever and encephalopathy in the setting of a diffusion-restricting splenium lesion, initially mimicking an ischemic stroke. A comprehensive infectious workup revealed positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies, and a pro-inflammatory laboratory profile characteristic of COVID-19 infection. His symptoms resolved and the brain MRI findings completely normalized on repeat imaging, consistent with MERS. This case suggests that MERS may manifest as an autoimmune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and should be considered in a patient with evidence of recent COVID-19 infection and the characteristic MERS clinico-radiological syndrome.     

高血压脑出血微创穿刺术后颅内感染的病原菌变化及危险因素分析

目的 探究高血压脑出血微创穿刺术后颅内感染的病原菌分布、药敏情况及危险因素,为高血压脑出血术后颅内感染的防治提供临床依据.方法 回顾性分析2007-01-2014-12由我院行高血压脑出血微创穿刺术患者520例,将其分为感染组(43例)与非感染组(477例),分析其病原菌分布、耐药性及颅内感染的相关危险因素.结果 革兰阳性菌为高血压脑出血术后颅内感染的主要致病菌(62.0％),其主要以凝固酶阴性葡萄球菌(32.0％)、金黄色葡萄球菌(14.0％)、粪肠球菌(10.0％)为主.药敏试验结果显示,病原菌对临床常用抗菌药物普遍耐药,对青霉素、克林霉素、阿莫西林及红霉素等耐药率较高(耐药率＞86％);对万古霉素和米诺环素较敏感.单因素分析发现,2组在年龄、白蛋白水平、术前抗生素使用情况、手术时机、手术时间、手术次数、留置引流时间、脑脊液漏、引流管污染等方面,差异具有统计学意义(P＜0.05);Logistic回归分析显示,白蛋白水平(OR=1.985,P＜0.01)、手术次数(OR=2.105,P＜0.01)、留置引流时间(OR=1.702,P＜0.05)、脑脊液漏(OR=1.402,P＜0.05)及引流管污染(OR=1.990,P＜0.05)为高血压脑出血术后颅内感染发生的独立危险因素.结论 高血压脑出血术后颅内感染的发生与多种影响因素有关,致病菌主要以革兰阳性菌为主,对常用抗生素耐药率较高,临床上应根据病原菌分布、耐药性及相关危险因素,合理选择抗生素,同时采取综合防治措施,从而有效降低高血压脑出血术后颅内感染的发病率及病死率.     

Intracerebral hemorrhage in COVID-19: A narrative review

Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic affects the worldwide healthcare system and our understanding of this disease grows rapidly. Although COVID-19 is a mainly respiratory disease, neurological manifestations are not uncommon. The aim of this review is to report on the etiology, clinical profile, location, and outcome of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and COVID-19. This review includes 36 studies examining ICH in the clinical presentation of COVID-19. Overall, 217 cases with intracranial hemorrhage, of which 188 ICHs, were reported. Generally, a low incidence of both primary and secondary ICH was found in 8 studies [106 (0.25%) out of 43,137 hospitalized patients with COVID-19]. Available data showed a median age of 58 years (range: 52–68) and male sex 64%, regarding 36 and 102 patients respectively. Furthermore, 75% of the patients were on prior anticoagulation treatment, 52% had a history of arterial hypertension, and 61% were admitted in intensive care unit. Location of ICH in deep structures/basal ganglia was ascertained in only 7 cases making arterial hypertension an improbable etiopathogenetic mechanism. Mortality was calculated at 52.7%. Disease related pathophysiologic mechanisms support the hypothesis that SARS-CoV2 can cause ICH, however typical ICH risk factors such as anticoagulation treatment, or admission to ICU should also be considered as probable causes. Physicians should strongly suspect the possibility of ICH in individuals with severe COVID-19 admitted to ICU and treated with anticoagulants. It is not clear whether ICH is related directly to COVID-19 or reflects expected comorbidity and/or complications observed in severely ill patients.     

Ictus como complicación y como factor pronóstico de COVID-19

IntroductionContradictory data have been reported on the incidence of stroke in patients with COVID-19 and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among patients with history of stroke.MethodsThis study systematically reviews case series reporting stroke as a complication of COVID-19, and analyses the prognosis of patients with COVID-19 and history of stroke. The pathophysiological mechanisms of stroke in patients with COVID-19 are also reviewed.ConclusionsHistory of stroke increases the risk of death due to COVID-19 by 3 times. Stroke currently seems not to be one of the main complications of COVID-19.     

Missed cerebrovascular events during prolonged sedation for COVID-19 pneumonia

Cerebrovascular complications among critically ill patients with COVID-19 have yet to be fully characterized. In this retrospective case series from a single academic tertiary care referral center in New York City, we present 12 patients with ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes that were found on imaging after a period of prolonged sedation in the setting of COVID-19 pneumonia. This series demonstrates a pattern of cerebrovascular events clinically masked by deep sedation required for management of COVID-19 related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Of the 12 patients included, 10 had ischemic stroke, 4 of which had hemorrhagic conversion, and 2 had primary intracerebral hemorrhage. Ten patients were on therapeutic anticoagulation prior to discovery of their stroke, and the remainder received intermediate dose anticoagulation (in a range between prophylactic and therapeutic levels). Additional studies are needed to further characterize the counterbalancing risks of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, as well as the optimal management of this patient population.     

Chronic long-COVID syndrome: A protracted COVID-19 illness with neurological dysfunctions

After almost a year of COVID-19, the chronic long-COVID syndrome has been recognized as an entity in 2021. The patients with the long-COVID are presenting with ominous neurological deficits that with time are becoming persistent and are causing disabilities in the affected individuals. The mechanisms underlying the neurological syndrome in long-COVID have remained obscure and need to be actively researched to find a resolution for the patients with long-COVID. Here, the factors like site of viral load, the differential immune response, neurodegenerative changes, and inflammation as possible causative factors are debated to understand and investigate the pathogenesis of neuro-COVID in long-COVID syndrome.     

脑出血患者预后影响因素的多因素分析

目的探讨脑出血患者早期死亡及致残的危险因素。方法回顾性收集2004年9月-2006年6月南京医科大学附属南京第一医院神经内科住院的312例急性脑出血病例,采用电话或写信等方式随访患者发病后3月的生存及残疾情况。采用Logistic回归分析对影响患者死亡及致残的27项危险因素进行单因素和多因素分析。结果脑出血患者周一周二就诊病死率及致残率较其他时间低。影响脑出血患者死亡的危险因素有年龄（P=0．012）、意识障碍（P=0．016）、入院时收缩压（P=0．018）、尿素氮（P=0．036）、低蛋白血症（P=0．000）、合并感染（P=0．000）、合并消化道出血（P=0．031）;影响脑出血患者致残的危险因素有性别（P=0．023）、年龄（P=0．000）、意识障碍（P=0．000）、合并感染（P=0．031）。结论高龄、有意识障碍、入院时收缩压高、尿素氮高、有低蛋白血症、合并感染、合并消化道出血是脑出血患者死亡的独立危险因素。性别、年龄、有意识障碍、合并感染是脑出血患者致残的独立危险因素。     

自发性脑出血的再出血随访分析

对首次脑出血存活者出院后进行２８－８８个月的随访，结果显示，在随访期２７．７％的存活者，经历了一次或次再出血。在正常血压病人出血部位被认为是血管淀粉样变的好部位。     

Nervous system involvement after infection with COVID-19 and other coronaviruses

Viral infections have detrimental impacts on neurological functions, and even to cause severe neurological damage. Very recently, coronaviruses (CoV), especially severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV 2 (SARS-CoV-2), exhibit neurotropic properties and may also cause neurological diseases. It is reported that CoV can be found in the brain or cerebrospinal fluid. The pathobiology of these neuroinvasive viruses is still incompletely known, and it is therefore important to explore the impact of CoV infections on the nervous system. Here, we review the research into neurological complications in CoV infections and the possible mechanisms of damage to the nervous system.     

Intravenous Thrombolysis for Stroke in a COVID-19 Positive Filipino Patient,a Case Report

The 2019 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which was first reported in Wuhan, China last December 2019, has been declared an emergency by the World Health Organization but eventually progressed to become a Pandemic. To date, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected at least 100,000 individuals worldwide, reaching thousands of mortalities (Zhou et al., 2020; World Health Organization, 2020). In the Philippines, the number of COVID-19 confirmed positive cases is over 636 and is expected to rise (Department of Health, 2020). Respiratory infections alongside their comorbidities can induce acute myocardial infarction and acute ischemic stroke (Warren-Gash et al., 2018) [3]. These may further bring challenges in the management and administration of Intravenous (IV) Alteplase in eligible patients. Currently, there are no case reports in the administration IV Altepase in ischemic stroke patients who are COVID-19 positive. We present a case of a 62-year old female who was admitted due to cough, colds and shortness of breath of 2 weeks duration and was tested to be COVD-19 positive. She suffered from an ischemic stroke while in the Medical Intensive Care Unit and was given Intravenous thrombolysis.     

Psychiatric sequelae in COVID-19 survivors: A narrative review

In December 2019, a novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) was initially reported in Wuhan, China. Previous epidemics including SARS and middle east respiratory syndrome raises concern that COVID-19 infection may pose a significant threat to the mental health of affected individuals. Studies and reviews have shown the acute psychiatric manifestations in COVID-19 patients, although long term psychiatric sequelae are predicted, there are only few review studies about the long term psychiatry outcome in COVID-19 survivors. Clinically significant post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and/or depression among COVID-19 survivors during 14-90 d were observed following the diagnosis. Risk of anxiety or depression were higher in patients with more severe illness at 6 mo follow-up, early convalescence, and at 1 mo follow-up. Diagnosis of COVID-19 Led to more first diagnoses and relapses of psychiatric illness during the first 14-90 d after COVID-19 diagnosis. The possible underlying mechanisms of psychiatric sequelae in COVID-19 infection are neurotropism, immune response to SARS-CoV-2, hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperactivity, disrupted neuronal circuits in several brain regions, increased stress levels, neuroinflammation, and neuronal death. This study will review the psychiatric sequelae in previous coronavirus pandemics, current studies, risk factors, and thorough explanation on pathophysiology of the psychiatric sequalae in COVID-19 survivors.     

Arterial and venous strokes in the setting of COVID-19

Background and purposeCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic that causes flu-like symptoms. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that both the central and peripheral nervous systems can be affected by SARS-CoV-2, including stroke. We present three cases of arterial ischemic strokes and one venous infarction from a cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in the setting of COVID-19 infection who otherwise had low risk factors for stroke.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients presenting to a large tertiary care academic US hospital with stroke and who tested positive for COVID-19. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, imaging results and lab findings.ResultsThere were 3 cases of arterial ischemic strokes and 1 case of venous stroke: 3 males and 1 female. The mean age was 55 (48–70) years. All arterial strokes presented with large vessel occlusions and had mechanical thrombectomy performed. Two cases presented with stroke despite being on full anticoagulation.ConclusionsIt is important to recognize the neurological manifestations of COVID-19, especially ischemic stroke, either arterial or venous in nature. Hypercoagulability and the cytokine surge are perhaps the cause of ischemic stroke in these patients. Further studies are needed to understand the role of anticoagulation in these patients.     

Massive intracerebral hemorrhage caused by a cavernous malformation

We present a rare case of massive intracerebral hemorrhage resulting from a small, superficially-located supratentorial cavernous malformation, or cavernoma. These lesions rarely lead to massive, life-threatening intracerebral hemorrhages. A 17-year-old female presented with a 3-week history of declining mental status. Brain computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a sizable intracranial hemorrhage, within the right occipital region, associated with a small nodule at the hematoma's posterior margin. An emergency operation removed the entire hematoma and nodule. Histological examination of the nodule was compatible with a diagnosis of cavernous malformation. The patient's post-operative course was uneventful.     

Association between Dementia and Clinical Outcome after COVID-19: A Nationwide Cohort Study with Propensity Score Matched Control in South Korea

Objective Despite a high prevalence of dementia in older adults hospitalized with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection (SARS-CoV-2), or so called COVID-19, research investigating association between preexisting diagnoses of dementia and prognosis of COVID-19 is scarce. We aimed to investigate treatment outcome of patients with dementia after COVID-19. Methods We explored a nationwide cohort with a total of 2,800 subjects older than 50 years who were diagnosed with COVID-19 between January and April 2020. Among them, 223 patients had underlying dementia (dementia group). We matched 1:1 for each dementia- non-dementia group pair yielding 223 patients without dementia (no dementia group) using propensity score matching. Results Mortality rate after COVID-19 was higher in dementia group than in no dementia group (33.6% vs. 20.2%, p=0.002). Dementia group had higher proportion of patients requiring invasive ventilatory support than no dementia group (34.1% vs. 22.0%, p=0.006). Multivariable analysis showed that dementia group had a higher risk of mortality than no dementia group (odds ratio=3.05, p<0.001). We also found that patients in dementia group had a higher risk of needing invasive ventilatory support than those in no dementia group. Conclusion Our results suggest that system including strengthen quarantines are required for patients with dementia during the COVID- 19 pandemic.