Coronavirus disease 2019 associated stroke in a toddler – A case report

Abstract

Background: Stroke, an infrequent entity in children, usually presents with headache, reduced cognition, and seizures as frequent findings. The association of paediatric stroke with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is unknown with only a hand full of postulated hypotheses till date. Clinical Description: A 2-year-old child with sudden onset focal neurological deficits and high COVID antibody titters has been reported soon after a brief episode of cough and cold. Magnetic resonance imaging brain suggested infarct in posterior cerebral circulation. All other inflammatory markers and prothrombotic work-up were normal pointing toward a territorial affliction. Management: Child responded well to anticoagulants (low molecular weight heparin and aspirin) with complete neurological recovery. Conclusion: Possibility of COVID-19 associated regional endotheliitis is very high in the aforesaid toddler. Our case is the youngest reported case of paediatric stroke with a possible association with COVID-19.