High levels of cell-free hemoglobin and iron in cerebral thrombi of pre-Omicron COVID-19 stroke patients: novel drivers of SARS-CoV-2–induced prothrombotic state - Report - MDSpire
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Elevated concentrations of cell-free hemoglobin and iron found in cerebral thrombi of stroke patients prior to the Omicron variant: new contributors to the prothrombotic effects of SARS-CoV-2

  • By

  • María Payá

  • Cristian Alcahut-Rodríguez

  • Rosa A. Barbella-Aponte

  • Francisco Hernández-Fernández

  • Juan D. Molina-Nuevo

  • Gemma Barroso-García

  • Beatriz Castro-Robles

  • Susana López-López

  • Lourdes Arias-Salazar

  • Óscar Ayo-Martín

  • Jorge García-García

  • Blanca Yélamos-Sanz

  • Natalia García-Flores

  • Alba G. Arandilla

  • Rafael Moreno-Luna

  • Alicia Aliena-Valero

  • Isabel Vielba-Gómez

  • José I. Tembl

  • Juan B. Salom

  • Gemma Serrano-Heras

  • Tomás Segura

  • August 29, 2026

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Elevated concentrations of cell-free hemoglobin and iron found in cerebral thrombi

Overview

This study investigates the presence of elevated cell-free hemoglobin and iron in cerebral thrombi from stroke patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 prior to the Omicron variant.

Background

SARS-CoV-2 infection has been linked to an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease, particularly ischemic stroke. Understanding the pathophysiology of COVID-19-associated stroke is crucial, as it is associated with poorer outcomes and higher mortality rates compared to non-COVID-19 strokes. The study of cerebral thrombi provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying this hypercoagulable state.

Data Highlights

No specific numerical data or trial data was provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • COVID-19 is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, particularly during the acute phase of infection.
  • Cryptogenic etiology is common in COVID-19-related strokes, leading to worse clinical outcomes.
  • Elevated concentrations of cell-free hemoglobin and iron were found in cerebral thrombi from stroke patients.
  • COVID-19-related coagulopathy features increased D-dimer and thrombin generation, differing from typical disseminated intravascular coagulation.
  • Immunothrombosis plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of COVID-19-associated stroke.

Clinical Implications

The findings highlight the need for clinicians to consider the unique thrombotic profiles in COVID-19 patients when managing stroke.

Conclusion

The study examines the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 infection and cerebrovascular complications.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Acta Neuropathologica, 2020 -- Emerging Neuropathological Features in COVID-19: Insights into Microvascular Damage and Hypoxic Injury
  2. Intensive Care Medicine, 2021 -- The Role of Pulmonary Immuno-Thrombosis in the Development of ARDS in COVID-19
  3. Acta Neuropathologica, 2020 -- Factors Associated with Critical Illness-Related Encephalopathy in Postmortem Neuropathology of COVID-19
  4. The ASCO Post — Hypercoagulability in Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19: Where Do We Stand? GUEST EDITORS KEY POINTS
  5. New guideline expands stroke treatment for adults, offers first pediatric stroke guidance
  6. American Society of Hematology living guidelines on use of anticoagulation for thromboprophylaxis for patients with COVID-19: executive summary
  7. Clinical management of COVID-19: living guideline, June 2025
  8. Therapeutic Anticoagulation with Heparin in Noncritically Ill Patients with Covid-19 | New England Journal of Medicine
  9. Timing, Translation, and Preparedness: Lessons Learned From COVID-19 Anticoagulation in Noncritically Ill Hospitalized Patients | JACC
  10. Thrombotic Events and Stroke in the Year After COVID-19 or Other Acute Respiratory Infection - Volume 31, Supplement—November 2025 - Emerging Infectious Diseases journal - CDC
  11. Neutrophils predominate the immune signature of cerebral thrombi in COVID-19 stroke patients - PMC
  12. Frontiers | Disturbed regulation of immunothrombosis in cerebral ischemia associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection

Original Source(s)

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