[Venous gangrene of small intestine following coronavirus infection (SARS-COVID-19)]

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Vascular Surgery
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted emergency medicine, particularly concerning hemostatic disorders.
• Systemic endothelial dysfunction is a key factor in COVID-19-related coagulopathy.
• While deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are well-documented, mesenteric thrombosis is less explored.

Observation:

• This study focuses on 14 patients experiencing venous gangrene of the small intestine secondary to COVID-19-induced endothelial dysfunction.
• The patients presented with severe endothelial dysfunction, a hallmark of severe COVID-19.
• Mesenteric thrombosis leading to intestinal necrosis was the primary complication observed.

Findings:

• COVID-19 infection is associated with intense platelet aggregation and impaired fibrinolysis.
• Severe endothelial dysfunction in COVID-19 patients contributes to a prothrombotic state.
• Mesenteric thrombosis and subsequent intestinal necrosis are critical, albeit underreported, complications of COVID-19.

Implications:

• Recognizing mesenteric thrombosis as a potential complication of COVID-19 is crucial for emergency physicians.
• Early diagnosis and intervention for mesenteric ischemia in COVID-19 patients may improve outcomes.
• Further research is needed to understand and manage COVID-19-associated vascular complications.