Clinical Review of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis in the Context of COVID-19 Vaccinations: Evaluation, Management, and Scientific Questions
20 Pages Posted: 26 May 2021
Date Written: May 7, 2021
Abstract
Background: Vaccine induced immune medicated thrombocytopenia or VITT, is a recent and rare phenomenon of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia, frequently including cerebral venous thromboses (CVT), that has been described following vaccination with adenovirus vaccines ChAdOx1 nCOV-19 (AstraZeneca) and Ad26.COV2.S Johnson and Johnson (Janssen/J&J). The evaluation and management of suspected cases of CVT post COVID-19 vaccination are critical skills for a broad range of healthcare providers.
Methods: A collaborative comprehensive review of literature was conducted among a global group of expert neurologists and hematologists.
Findings: Strategies for rapid evaluation and treatment of the CVT in the context of possible VITT exist, including inflammatory marker measurements, PF4 assays, and non-heparin anticoagulation.
Interpretation: There are many unanswered questions regarding cases of CVT, possibly in association with VITT. Public health specialists should explore ways to enhance public and professional education, surveillance, and reporting of this syndrome to reduce its impact on health and global vaccination efforts.
Funding: None
Note: Funding Statement: None.
Declaration of Interests: Authors have declared their conflicts of interest within the manuscript. Corresponding author: KTT is a member of the World Health Organization (WHO) working group on clinical guidance of VITT in the context of COVID-19 vaccinations, reports funding from the National Institute of Health (NIH) and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on neurological conditions in the context of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccinations.
Keywords: Cerebral Venous Thrombosis, Adenovirus Vaccine, COVID-19, Anticoagulation, Thrombocytopenia
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