Extensive Coronary Thrombosis as a Sequelae of COVID-19 Presenting as a STEMI

Muhammad Madkour1, Javad Savoj2, Syed Iftikhar2

  • 1Internal Medicine, University of California Riverside School of Medicine/Riverside Community Hospital, Riverside, USA.

Cureus
|June 30, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Patients recovering from Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may face prolonged risks of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This case highlights potential coronary thrombosis weeks after infection clearance, emphasizing the need for continued cardiovascular monitoring.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Systemic inflammation during active Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is linked to thrombotic complications, including ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
  • Endothelial activation and a hypercoagulable state contribute to microvascular thrombosis in COVID-19 patients.

Observation:

  • This case study examines a patient who developed coronary thrombosis three to four weeks after clearing the COVID-19 infection.
  • The patient presented with symptoms suggestive of a cardiovascular event post-infection.

Findings:

  • The patient experienced ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) weeks after the initial COVID-19 infection resolved.
  • This suggests a persistent risk of coronary thrombosis as a sequela of the disease burden, even after viral clearance.

Implications:

  • The findings underscore the potential for delayed thrombotic events following COVID-19 infection.
  • Further research is needed to understand the duration of this risk and guide long-term patient management.
  • Cardiovascular monitoring may be warranted in patients recovering from significant COVID-19 illness.

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