COVID-19 and ischemic stroke: Mechanisms of hypercoagulability (Review)

Abstract

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, some patients with severe COVID-19 exhibited complications such as acute ischemic stroke (AIS), which was closely associated with a poor prognosis. These patients often had an abnormal coagulation, namely, elevated levels of D-dimer and fibrinogen, and a low platelet count. Certain studies have suggested that COVID-19 induces AIS by promoting hypercoagulability. Nevertheless, the exact mechanisms through which COVID-19 leads to a hypercoagulable state in infected patients remain unclear. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of hypercoagulability is of utmost importance for the effective treatment of these patients. The present review aims to summarize the current status of research on COVID-19, hypercoagulability and ischemic stroke. The present review also aimed to shed light into the underlying mechanisms through which COVID-19 induces hypercoagulability, and to provide therapies for different mechanisms for the more effective treatment of patients with COVID-19 with ischemic stroke and prevent AIS during the COVID-19 pandemic.