Superior Mesenteric Artery Thrombosis and Intestinal Ischemia as a Consequence of COVID-19 Infection

Ashik Pokharel1,2, Indira Acharya1,2, Ranjit K Chaudhary3

  • 1Internal Medicine, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, USA.

Cureus
|May 10, 2023
PubMed

Insights

COVID-19 can cause dangerous blood clots, including rare cases of intestinal ischemia. This case highlights severe superior mesenteric artery thrombosis in a COVID-19 patient, emphasizing the need for vigilance.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • COVID-19 is linked to arterial and venous thrombotic events.
  • Intestinal ischemia is a rare but serious complication of COVID-19 infection.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with fever, malaise, and diarrhea, testing positive for COVID-19.
  • The patient's condition deteriorated due to thrombosis of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA).

Findings:

  • This case demonstrates a severe manifestation of COVID-19-associated arterial thrombosis.
  • Superior mesenteric artery thrombosis is a critical complication in select COVID-19 patients.

Implications:

  • Highlights the potential for devastating vascular complications in COVID-19.
  • Underscores the importance of considering thrombotic events in COVID-19 patients with abdominal symptoms.
  • Suggests a need for heightened awareness and potential prophylactic strategies in high-risk individuals.

Related Concept Videos

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis01:27

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
233
Blood Supply to the Digestive System01:16

Blood Supply to the Digestive System

Splanchnic circulation refers to the network of blood vessels that supply and drain blood from the abdominal organs involved in digestion, including the stomach, liver, pancreas, intestines, and spleen. This circulation delivers essential nutrients and oxygen while removing waste products from these organs.
Blood Supply to the Digestive System: The splanchnic circulation involves three main arteries: the celiac artery (also known as the celiac trunk) and the superior and inferior mesenteric...
1.7K
Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
12
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs but also impacts other areas, such as the arms, thereby impairing overall circulation and organ function.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty deposits inside the arterial...
12
Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:29

Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Diagnosing and managing appendicitis requires a structured and comprehensive approach that spans from initial assessment to postoperative care. Here is an overview of the process:
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
108
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
13