Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 7, 2025

Novel and Innovative Hybrid Technique for Type A Aortic Dissection
Published on: March 28, 2025
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.
Abstract:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is known to cause a myriad of symptoms ranging from mild respiratory illness to severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress. Since its discovery in late 2019 in Wuhan, China, the virus has caused a devastating worldwide pandemic. Although COVID-19 most commonly causes respiratory symptoms, complications such as hypercoagulability are now known to occur in some patients. In this case report, we present a COVID-19 patient that suffered a stroke and was found to have an aortic thrombus. In this case report, we discussed hypercoagulability, venous and arterial thrombosis in COVID-19 patients. We hope to highlight the importance of monitoring laboratory markers of hypercoagulability and thromboembolism symptoms in COVID-19 patients and encourage appropriate prophylaxis and treatment with anticoagulants when necessary. It is unclear whether or not a causal relationship exists given the nature of the syndrome. However, given the growing number of reported cases physicians should maintain awareness of this possible complication when evaluating COVID-19 patients.
Related Concept Videos
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management
Aneurysm I: Introduction
Thoracic Aorta

