A Case of Bilateral Thalamic Infarcts Involving the Artery of Percheron in the Setting of COVID-19

Division

Gulf Coast

Hospital

HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood

Document Type

Case Report

Publication Date

6-11-2021

Keywords

artery of percheron, stroke, thalamic stroke, covid-19, bilateral thalamic stroke, atypical stroke, covid-19 associated coagulopathy, rt-tpa, stroke and covid-19, altered mental status evaluation

Disciplines

Cardiovascular Diseases | Internal Medicine | Virus Diseases

Abstract

The artery of Percheron (AOP) is a rare anatomic variant, characterized by a single thalamoperforating artery arising from the P1 segment of the posterior cerebral artery that bifurcates to supply bilateral thalami with variable vascular supply to the midbrain. The occlusion of this artery is responsible for bilateral thalamic stroke with or without midbrain involvement. Since December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to a worldwide pandemic. Acute ischemic stroke is a rare but known manifestation of COVID-19. There have only been a few reports of bilateral deep cerebral involvement in COVID-19 infection. In the absence of risk factors for such events, we suspect COVID-19 may have a contributory role. In this case report, we present a case of AOP infarction presenting as transient loss of consciousness, intermittent anisocoria, dysarthria, and right-sided weakness in the setting of COVID-19 infection. Given the degree of variation in clinical presentation for AOP infarcts and lack of evidence of ischemia on initial imaging studies, many patients may miss the time window for tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) administration. This case highlights the importance of timely neurological evaluation in patients presenting with COVID-19 and neurological complaints. Increased community awareness of neurological manifestations of AOP infarctions is of utmost importance as early detection and intervention improve clinical outcomes.

Publisher or Conference

Cureus

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