COVID-19 and Aortic Thrombosis: A Case Report

Mamtha Balla1, Hannah Staats-Ciotola2, Meera Dhavale3

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo and Promedica Toledo Hospital, Toledo, OH 43606, USA.

Insights

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can cause hypercoagulability, leading to blood clots like stroke and aortic thrombus in COVID-19 patients. Monitoring and anticoagulant treatment are crucial for managing this complication.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, primarily presents with respiratory symptoms.
  • Emerging evidence suggests COVID-19 can also lead to significant hypercoagulability and thromboembolic events.
  • The pandemic has highlighted the need to understand non-respiratory complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Observation:

  • This case report details a COVID-19 patient who experienced a stroke.
  • The patient was also diagnosed with an aortic thrombus, indicating arterial thrombosis.
  • The case underscores the potential for severe vascular complications in COVID-19.

Findings:

  • COVID-19 patients may develop hypercoagulable states, increasing the risk of both venous and arterial thrombosis.
  • Laboratory markers for hypercoagulability and symptoms of thromboembolism warrant close monitoring in infected individuals.
  • Anticoagulant prophylaxis and treatment may be necessary for managing thrombotic complications.

Implications:

  • Physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for thromboembolic events in COVID-19 patients.
  • Early detection and management of hypercoagulability can potentially prevent severe outcomes.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the causal relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and hypercoagulability.

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