Severe ischemic complications in Covid-19-A case series

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiology

Background:

• COVID-19 presents with diverse manifestations, including a growing number of thromboembolic complications.
• Thromboembolic events in COVID-19 patients can affect various vascular beds, leading to severe outcomes.
• Recent literature indicates a link between COVID-19 infection and an increased risk of vascular complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report and analyze five cases of COVID-19 positive patients who developed severe, first-time thromboembolic vascular events.
• To emphasize the potential for devastating vascular complications in COVID-19 patients, even without predisposing conditions.
• To highlight the importance of early recognition and management of thromboembolic complications in COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective observational study.
• Analysis of clinical characteristics and outcomes of five COVID-19 positive patients aged 38-60.
• Inclusion criteria: COVID-19 pneumonia diagnosis, development of severe vascular complications, and no prior history of thromboembolism or risk factors.

Main Results:

• Five patients with COVID-19 developed severe vascular complications, including bowel and limb ischemia.
• Affected vessels were medium to large, involving the aorta, axillary, and brachial arteries.
• All patients lacked significant comorbidities or prior thromboembolic history, indicating a direct link to COVID-19.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 associated thromboembolic complications can be severe and life-threatening, leading to high morbidity and mortality.
• A high index of suspicion is crucial for diagnosing vascular events in COVID-19 patients, irrespective of their thromboembolic history.
• Prompt and appropriate anticoagulation strategies are essential in managing COVID-19 patients at risk for thromboembolic events.