Post-COVID-19 splenic infarction in a patient with chronic atrial fibrillation: A case report

Roham Sarmadian1, Reza Ghasemikhah2, Hossein Sarmadian1

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine Arak University of Medical Sciences Arak Iran.

Clinical Case Reports
|July 18, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Splenic infarction, a rare condition, occurred in an 82-year-old with COVID-19 and atrial fibrillation. This case highlights the potential link between COVID-19, atrial fibrillation, and splenic infarction in patients with abdominal pain.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a known risk factor for thromboembolic events, including splenic infarction.
  • COVID-19 has been associated with a hypercoagulable state, increasing the risk of thrombosis.

Observation:

  • An 82-year-old patient with chronic atrial fibrillation presented with symptoms suggestive of splenic infarction.
  • The patient was also diagnosed with COVID-19.

Findings:

  • The case describes splenic infarction (SI) in the context of COVID-19 and pre-existing atrial fibrillation.
  • COVID-19 may contribute to thrombotic events, and AF increases the predisposition to splenic infarction.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider splenic infarction in COVID-19 patients presenting with abdominal pain, particularly those with risk factors like atrial fibrillation.
  • Early diagnosis and management of splenic infarction in this patient population are crucial.

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