Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 21, 2026
Bloodless Laparoscopic Partial Splenectomy Assisted by Bipolar Radiofrequency Excision Hemostatic Device
Published on: November 4, 2022
Post COVID-19 splenic infarction with limb ischemia: A case report
Hazhir Moradi1, Samah Mouzannar2, Seyed Amir Miratashi Yazdi3
1Medical Student, Medical School, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Insights
COVID-19 can cause rare splenic artery thrombosis, a serious condition. This case study highlights a patient successfully treated with heparin, showing thrombosis resolution post-infection.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- COVID-19 is linked to thrombotic events, including pulmonary embolism and abdominal visceral infarctions.
- Reported abdominal visceral infarctions include splenic, renal infarction, and intestinal ischemia.
Observation:
- A 59-year-old female with COVID-19 presented with left upper quadrant pain and left heel discoloration.
- Ultrasound revealed vein thrombosis; CT confirmed splenic infarction.
- Malignancy and other causes were ruled out, attributing splenic infarction to SARS-CoV-2-induced coagulopathy.
Findings:
- Splenic infarction, a rare complication of COVID-19, was diagnosed in a 59-year-old female patient.
- Treatment with heparin infusion was initiated, followed by oral anticoagulants upon discharge.
- Follow-up CT showed spleen size reduction with no clinical complications, indicating successful treatment.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare thrombotic complications of COVID-19.
- Early diagnosis and anticoagulation therapy are crucial for managing splenic infarction in COVID-19 patients.
- Further research into the coagulopathic mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 is warranted.
Introduction:
and importance: COVID-19 has been associated with thrombotic events in a variety of organs and systems, with pulmonary embolism being the most prevalent. Splenic infarction, renal infarction, and intestinal ischemia have all been documented recently as abdominal visceral infarctions.
Case Presentation:
A 59 years old female patient with a history of COVID-19 disease was admitted to our hospital due to her left upper quadrant abdominal and left flank pain. She had a history of left heel color change in few days. We perform an ultrasound and it was shown vein thrombosis. So, heparin infusion was started for her. We also performed a thoraco-abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) with intravenous and oral contrast. Total evidence suggests a splenic system infarction. A regular clinical examination for malignancy was performed on the patient and there was no evidence of cancer. Other probable reasons were ruled out. The patient was diagnosed with splenic infarction, Due to coagulopathy caused by SARS-Cov-2 infection. Treatment with heparin was continued for 5 days and she was discharged home on day 9 with oral agents. The patient was asymptomatic when she returned. The spleen had decreased in size on the follow-up CT, and there were no clinical complications.
Discussion And Conclusions:
Spleen artery thrombosis is a rare complication of COVID-19. In this report, we described a 59 years old female with a history of COVID-19. She was discharged home and in follow-up, there was no evidence of thrombosis anymore.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
01:15Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology