Fatal large-vessel cerebrovascular infarct presenting with severe coronavirus disease 2019 in a 39-year-old patient: a case report

BACKGROUND: Emerging reports are describing stroke in young, otherwise healthy patients with coronavirus disease 2019, consistent with the theory that some of the most serious complications of coronavirus disease 2019 are due to a systemic coagulopathy. However, the relevance of both the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 illness and established vascular risk factors in these younger patients is unknown, as reports are inconsistent. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we describe a 39-year-old white male, who died after presenting simultaneously with a malignant large-vessel cerebrovascular infarct and a critical coronavirus disease 2019 respiratory illness. Doppler ultrasound revealed evidence of carotid plaque thrombosis. Blood tests revealed evidence of undiagnosed diabetes mellitus; however, the patient was otherwise healthy, fit, and active. CONCLUSIONS: This unique case highlights a possible interaction between established risk factors and large-vessel thrombosis in young patients with coronavirus disease 2019, and informs future research into the benefits of anticoagulation in these patients.