Features of pathogenesis and course of acute cerebrovascular accident associated with the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19

Abstract

The novel coronavirus infection was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. It caused significant morbidity and mortality in most parts of the world. A third of patients with COVID-19 develop disorders of the nervous system. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is the causative agent of COVID-19. Structural features of the SARS-CoV-2 virion determine the possible affinity for a number of receptors expressed on the membrane of nerve cells. SARS-CoV-2 can cause stroke by several mechanisms: 1) affecting the vascular wall, 2) COVID-19 coagulopathy, 3) myocardial damage with brain embolism or destabilization of an already existing atherosclerotic plaque. Strokes in patients with COVID-19 are characterized by a more severe course and high mortality.The occurrence of stroke with COVID-19 is relatively common in young age groups, in patients without risk factors for stroke.