ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Analysis of the results of emergency carotid endarterectomy (CEE) in internal carotid artery (ICA) thrombosis in the acute period of acute cerebrovascular accident (ACVI) in patients with COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the COVID-19 pandemic (April 1, 2020 - May 1, 2021), 43 patients with ICA thrombosis and a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) result for SARS-CoV-2 were included in this prospective study. In all cases, CEE was performed in the acutest period of ACVA. These patients were included in group 1. The comparison group was represented by 89 patients who underwent CEE in the acute period of stroke, in the period before the COVID-19 pandemic (April 1, 2019 - March 1.2020). RESULTS: In the hospital postoperative period, the groups were comparable in terms of the incidence of deaths (group 1: 2.3%, n=1; group 2: 1.1%, n=1; p=0.81; OR=2.09; 95% CI=0.12-34.3) myocardial infarction (group 1: 2.3%, n=1; group 2: 0%; p=0.7; OR=6.3; 95% CI=0.25-158.5), CVA (group 1: 2.3%, n=1; group 2: 2.2%, n=2; p=0.55; OR=1.03; 95% CI=0.09-11.,7). ICA thrombosis and hemorrhagic transformations were not recorded. However, in view of severe coagulopathy with ongoing anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy, patients with COVID-19 more often developed bleeding in the operation area (group 1: 11.6%, n=5; group 2: 1.1%, n=1; p=0.02; OR=11.5; 95% CI=1.3-102.5). CONCLUSION: Emergency CEE in the acute period of stroke is an effective and safe method of cerebral revascularization in case of ICA thrombosis in conditions of COVID-19.