Update on Kostomarov’s Health and Related Medical Challenges
Reports from Sport-Express indicate that the 2006 Olympic ice dancing champion Roman Kostomarov suffered a second stroke in a short timeframe, causing an obstruction in the brain’s blood vessels. After the event, he was placed in intensive care where doctors performed plasmapheresis to address sepsis through blood purification.
Additionally, Kostomarov has been diagnosed with secondary meningitis. Unlike primary meningitis, which spreads directly from person to person, secondary meningitis arises as a complication of another illness.
On February 20, the Telegram channel Mash provided an update on Kostomarov’s condition, noting that doctors have yet to halt the blood poisoning and that the Olympic champion remains on a medical sleep ventilator. The report described his condition as unstable and critically serious.
Sports physician Alexander Yablunovsky offered his perspective on possible mechanisms behind Kostomarov’s complications. He explained that an initial viral infection, pneumonia, and clotting disorders can damage not just the microcirculation in the limbs but also the capillaries in the heart, lungs, and brain. In such cases veins may rupture, leading to hematomas and impaired brain blood flow. When blood flow to tissues is reduced, oxygen delivery declines and tissue death can occur, similar to what happens in other organs. A heart attack involves rupture of a heart vessel and cessation of function; a stroke involves rupture of a brain vessel and hemorrhage in the brain. These sequelae are consistent with the kind of vascular and perfusion problems Kostomarov faced, as reported by KP.RU.
Earlier reports from February 20 indicated that Kostomarov had his first stroke, described as a hemorrhage with a hematoma in the frontal region of the brain. The same period saw Izvestia drawing attention to the liver’s heavy load from edema and the large number of medications Kostomarov required. There were also notes suggesting fibrosis in Kostomarov’s left lung.
Retired trainer of the USSR, Tatyana Tarasova, expressed her shock on February 20, saying that she hoped the information was accurate while conceding uncertainty about the situation. Her remarks were shared during an interview with the Life portal. Kostomarov’s former partner, Tatyana Navka, who stood with him when they won Olympic gold, shared a message of support. On social media, Navka posted a video of their free dance to Carmen, a performance that helped seal their 2006 victory. Navka added that the Carmen routine has a lifelong significance for her, and she joined in prayers for Kostomarov and all who care about him. These sentiments were published on Torino’s social platform.
For context, information about Kostomarov’s hospitalization first emerged in January when he had been in hospital for more than a month. The initial diagnosis pointed to pneumonia, but subsequent complications led to surgical interventions, including the amputation of some toes and parts of the feet due to the evolving condition.