An acute lower limb ischemia revealing a covid-19 infection: A case report

Rim El Mesnaoui1, Soumaila Nikiema2, Desire Massimbo3

  • 1Ibn Sina Hospital, Department of Vascular Surgery, Mohammed V University, Morocco.

Insights

COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) can cause dangerous blood clots, including arterial thrombosis leading to limb ischemia. This case highlights the severe consequences and the need for vigilant monitoring in infected patients.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • COVID-19 is linked to a higher risk of thromboembolic events, affecting both venous and arterial systems.
  • Understanding the pathophysiology and epidemiology of these complications is crucial for patient management.

Observation:

  • A 65-year-old patient with COVID-19 presented with severe lower limb ischemia.
  • Imaging revealed extensive femoral and leg artery thrombosis, which recurred after surgical intervention, necessitating amputation.

Findings:

  • Arterial thrombosis, including acute limb ischemia, is an increasingly recognized complication of COVID-19.
  • The incidence of acute limb ischemia has risen during the pandemic, particularly in affected regions.

Implications:

  • COVID-19-associated coagulopathy can lead to serious arterial thromboembolic events such as stroke, myocardial infarction, and peripheral ischemia.
  • Close monitoring of COVID-19 patients for thromboembolic complications is essential to prevent severe outcomes.
Abstract

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