COVID-19 Related Stroke in Patients on Anticoagulants

Objectives: We aim to highlight the relationship between COVID-19 and stroke even after anticoagulants administration to our reported patients. Methods: Retrospective data were obtained from the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) hospital medical records. This paper presents six male patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 cases based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) nasopharyngeal swab test. They were admitted into the field intensive care unit of BDF Hospital. Those patients received therapeutic doses of anticoagulants during their hospitalizations. They developed new onset of neurological deficits. Radiological imaging was done to confirm the diagnosis of stroke. Patient information was kept private. Results: Based on the clinical presentation followed by radiological examination, five patients were diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke and one with intracerebral hemorrhage despite the administration of therapeutic doses of anticoagulants which indicated the significant relationship between COVID-19 and stroke. Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between COVID-19 and stroke which is highlighted in this study. COVID-19 is considered a risk factor of stroke regardless the use of therapeutic dose of anticoagulants. In addition, the study shows that the risk of COVID-19 related stroke increases in male patients with comorbidities.