Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We describe the case of a 59-year-old man who presented with headache, hypertension and a single episode of fever with no other symptoms. He subsequently developed unilateral weakness. Computer tomography identified a cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). A subsequent test for COVID-19 was positive. This is the first report of CVST as a presenting symptom of COVID-19 infection.
Learning points: Thrombotic events may be the initial presenting symptom of COVID-19.These thrombotic events include stroke, venous thromboembolism, pulmonary embolism and cardiac complications.Clinicians should carefully consider the risk of thrombosis in patients positive for COVID-19, including prophylaxis and treatment beyond discharge.
Keywords: COVID-19; anticoagulation; cerebral venous sinus thrombosis; stroke.
© EFIM 2020.