Therapeutic Trends of Cerebrovascular Disease during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Future Perspectives

Abstract

As of May 2022, there have been more than 400 million cases (including re-infections) of the systemic acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and nearly 5 million deaths worldwide. Not only has the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic been responsible for diagnosis and treatment delays of a wide variety of conditions, and overwhelmed the allocation of healthcare resources, it has impacted the epidemiology and management of cerebrovascular disease. In this narrative review, we summarize the changing paradigms and latest data regarding the complex relationship between COVID-19 and cerebrovascular disease. Paradoxically, although SARS-CoV-2 has been associated with many thrombotic complications—including ischemic stroke—there have been global declines in ischemic stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases. These epidemiologic shifts may be attributed to patient avoidance of healthcare institutions due to fear of contracting the novel human coronavirus, and also related to declines in other transmissible infectious illnesses which may trigger ischemic stroke. Despite the association between SARS-CoV-2 and thrombotic events, there are inconsistent data regarding targeted antithrombotics to prevent venous and arterial events. In addition, we provide recommendations for the conduct of stroke research and clinical trial planning during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and for future healthcare crises.