Transient Ischemic Attack as the Initial Manifestation in COVID-19

Abstract

Background—Recent studies have identified hyper coagulopathy as a part of Coronavirus disease 2019
(COVID-19). Ischemic stroke may be a manifestation of COVID-19.
Case description—We report upon a 77-year-old man who presented with transient ischemic attack with
complete resolution of aphasia and hemiparesis but was found to have respiratory distress. An initial chest
radiograph was inconclusive. A computed tomographic scan demonstrated bilateral pulmonary ground
glass abnormalities suggestive of COVID-19. COVID-19 was confirmed from nasopharyngeal swab
obtained on Day 3. The patient developed multiorgan failure and died 17 days after admission.
Conclusion—Due to high transmission rate, the early identification of COVID-19 among patients pre‐
senting with neurological deficits is essential so appropriate precautionary steps, including isolation and
personal protective equipment, can be implemented in a timely fashion.