Abstract Details

Title Evidence of Ischemic Stroke in Pediatric Patient with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome

Topic Cerebrovascular Disease and Interventional Neurology

Presentation(s) P11 - Poster Session 11 (11:45 AM-12:45 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 13-005

Background COVID-19 has been documented to potentiate a prothrombotic and proinflammatory state. It is postulated this occurs via endothelial cell disruption and clotting cascade activation. However, cases have reported the presence of prothrombotic antibodies in patients with COVID-19 infections. The persistent presence of these antibodies has important clinical implications, including an increased thrombotic risk.

Objective Stroke has been reported to be a potential neurological complication of COVID-19 infection in adults, however, only a few reports have been made in the pediatric population. We describe a case of a 12-year-old female with post-COVID-19 syndrome who was found to have an ischemic stroke on MRI as well as positive for lupus anticoagulant.

Design/Methods

Chart review

Results A 12-year-old female with history of migraines presented to the neurology clinic for increased frequency and severity of headaches. Patient reported to have COVID-19 infection one year prior with symptoms of fatigue, arthralgias, sore throat, and headaches. Following infection, patient had resolution of most symptoms but continued having increased headaches and difficulty concentrating. Headaches have been occurring multiple times per week, lasting hours to days, and are associated with nausea, vomiting, and photophobia. Patient has no focal neurological deficits. Brain MRI showed small focal encephalomalacia with surrounding gliosis and volume loss in the anterior right basal ganglia and adjacent external capsule consistent with a small chronic infarct. On thrombophilia work-up patient was positive for lupus anticoagulant and had a heterozygous MTHFR variant. Patient was started on baby aspirin and her headaches have been controlled with prophylactic co-enzyme Q-10 and naproxen.

Conclusions Due to the known prothrombotic risk of COVID-19 infections, there should be a high index of suspicion for stroke symptoms among pediatric patients with COVID-19. Improved clinical surveillance and increased screening for prothrombotic antibodies could ensure better outcomes, including timely treatment and prevention of complications.

Authors/Disclosures
Chandler H. Lichtefeld, MD (University of Louisville School of Medicine) PRESENTER	Mr. Lichtefeld has nothing to disclose.
Michael K. Sowell, MD (University of Louisville)	Dr. Sowell has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Impel NeuroPharma. Dr. Sowell has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Amgen. Dr. Sowell has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Allergan/Abbvie. Dr. Sowell has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Biohaven. Dr. Sowell has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Teva. Dr. Sowell has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Lundbeck.