Non-aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage in COVID-19

Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with hypercoagulopathy, but haemorrhage, including spontaneous intracerebral parenchymal haemorrhage and diffuse petechial cerebral haemorrhage, has also been reported. We present two cases of nonaneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) in patients with severe COVID-19. Careful review of neuroimaging for haemorrhagic complications of COVID-19 should be undertaken, particularly for those patients receiving enhanced prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism. Although likely to be a marker of severe disease, non-aneurysmal SAH can be associated with favourable outcome.

Automated summary

COVID-19 patients may develop non-aneurysmal SAH, which could be a marker of severe disease but might also be associated with a favorable outcome. A careful review of neuroimaging for hemorrhagic complications, especially for those receiving enhanced prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism, is recommended.