Venous Thromboembolism in COVID-19 Patients: A Single-Center Case Series

Abstract

: Since thrombosis occurrence among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients is a critical complication, this study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19-associated pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). This case series of 39 venous thromboembolism (VTE) patients represents clinical characteristics, laboratory data, imaging data, and outcomes. The mean age of the patients was 55 ± 15 years. Moreover, 25 patients (64.10%) were male. The most frequent COVID-19 clinical presentations were dyspnea and cough in 22 (56.41%) and 19 (48.71%) patients, respectively. Additionally, the most frequent PTE clinical presentations were palpitation and anxiety in 28 (71.79%) and dyspnea in 24 (61.53%) patients. Furthermore, eight patients (20.51%) showed deep vein thrombosis in color Doppler ultrasound. The mean measures of D-dimer, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were 3680 ng/mL, 53 mm/hour, and 44 mg/L, respectively. Supplemental oxygen and ventilator were required in 29 (74.35%) and 2 (5.12%) patients, respectively. One patient died from PTE complications, and others improved without any complications. The VTE is a potentially life-threatening complication that frequently occurs in patients with COVID-19. Therapeutic doses of anticoagulants, extended thromboprophylaxis, meticulous assessments, follow-up, and high clinical suspicion to the early detection of PTE are necessary in this regard.