Large artery ischaemic stroke in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)

J Neurol. 2004 Oct;251(10):1227-31. doi: 10.1007/s00415-004-0519-8.

Abstract

Of the 206 patients who contracted Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Singapore five developed large artery cerebral infarctions. Four patients were critically-ill and three died. Intravenous immunoglobulin was given to three patients. An increased incidence of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism was also observed among the critically-ill patients. We believe our experience warrants an increased vigilance against stroke and other thrombotic complications among critically-ill SARS patients in future outbreaks, especially if treatment such as intravenous immunoglobulin, that increases pro-thrombotic tendency, is contemplated.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / complications*
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / pathology
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / therapy
  • Stroke / etiology*
  • Stroke / pathology
  • Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed
  • Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency / etiology
  • Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency / pathology
  • Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency / therapy

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous