The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on stroke has taken a new direction with the reported cases of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) associated with receiving either the AstraZeneca or Johnson&Johnson vaccines. The risk of CVST with either vaccine appears to be very low but more details will continue to emerge. It is important that we remain vigilant and have a high index of suspicion when patients have appropriate symptoms after having received either vaccine. I would recommend that you considering reporting vaccine related CVST cases to an international registry that has been established. Our members should be at the forefront of not only diagnosing and treating vaccine related CVST cases but also in educating the lay public in their countries about this disorder and providing reassurance that the risk is very small of developing it.
I would like to remind all WSO members that the virtual World Stroke Congress will take place on October 28-29 along with World Stroke Day. An outstanding program has been assembled. If you would like to submit an abstract, the submission site is now open. I encourage all of you to register and attend the conference.
Marc Fisher,
President of the World Stroke Organization