Aortic thrombosis in COVID-19

Helena Wickham1, Jerry C H Tam1, Xin Hui S Chan1,2

  • 1Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.

Insights

Severe COVID-19 can cause arterial thrombosis, not just venous thrombo-embolism. This case highlights aortic and popliteal artery clots in a COVID-19 patient, emphasizing the need for further research into COVID-19-related clotting disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Venous thrombo-embolism is a recognized complication of severe COVID-19.
  • Arterial thrombosis is less recognized but increasingly reported in COVID-19 patients, often associated with myocardial infarction and stroke.

Observation:

  • A 63-year-old male COVID-19 patient presented with acute limb ischemia (pale, cold foot, absent pulse).
  • CT angiography revealed a large thrombus in the lower thoracic aorta and bilateral popliteal artery occlusion.
  • The aortic thrombus was a new finding compared to a prior CT pulmonary angiogram.

Findings:

  • This case demonstrates a rare instance of extensive arterial thrombosis (aortic and popliteal) in the context of COVID-19.
  • The patient was successfully treated with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH).

Implications:

  • This case underscores the diverse thrombotic complications of COVID-19, extending beyond venous events.
  • There is an urgent need for pathophysiological research and clinical trials to guide thromboprophylaxis strategies in COVID-19.
  • Understanding COVID-19's impact on arterial thrombosis is crucial for patient management and preventing severe outcomes.
Abstract

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