Coronavirus disease 2019 and stroke

Abstract

The multisystem nature of coronavirus disease 2019 has become increasingly clear over the course of the pandemic. Both the neurological and vascular systems are affected, impacting acute stroke. This impact can be conceptualised as direct and indirect effects of the disease. The direct effects of coronavirus disease 2019 on stroke are thought to relate to receptor-mediated tissue invasion and the marked inflammatory response to the presence of the virus. These effects include coagulopathies, endotheliitis, systemic inflammation and atherosclerotic plaque instability, with possibly long-term cardiovascular effects. The indirect effects impact all aspects of stroke care delivery. These extend far beyond the direct effects of coronavirus disease 2019, and represent an essential focus for stroke systems of care. In this article, we detail the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on acute stroke.