Severe Aortic Thrombosis in the Early Period after COVID-19: Two Cases

Ferhat Borulu1, Bilgehan Erkut1

  • 1Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Erzurum, Turkey.

Insights

Acute aortic thrombosis is a rare but fatal condition. This report details two cases of acute aortic thrombosis potentially linked to Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vascular complications.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Vascular Surgery

Background:

  • A total aortic occlusion is a rare vascular emergency with high mortality.
  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with significant vascular complications, including thrombotic events.
  • While venous thrombosis is reported in COVID-19, arterial thrombosis, particularly aortic thrombosis, is exceptionally rare.

Observation:

  • Two patients presented with acute aortic thrombosis.
  • Both patients had experienced recent Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection.
  • Inflammatory responses to viral infections can disrupt coagulation pathways.

Findings:

  • The cases highlight a potential, albeit rare, link between COVID-19 and acute aortic thrombosis.
  • This suggests viral infections may precipitate arterial thrombotic events beyond the venous system.
  • The presented cases underscore the critical need to consider vascular complications in COVID-19 patients.

Implications:

  • Increased awareness of arterial thrombosis as a potential COVID-19 complication is warranted.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms linking viral infections to aortic thrombosis.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management of acute aortic thrombosis in COVID-19 patients may improve outcomes.

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