COVID-19-Associated Systemic Thromboembolism: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic that has affected &#x3e;188 countries, involved &#x3e;24 million people, and caused &#x3e;840,000 deaths. COVID-19, in its severe form, presents as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), shock, and multiorgan failure. Thrombotic microangiopathy of the lungs and kidneys has been observed in these patients. Elevated D-dimer levels have been observed in people with serious COVID-19 illness, and this could be helpful in guiding treatment with anticoagulation in these patients. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> To analyze the role of anticoagulation as a treatment modality for COVID-19. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We present the unique case of a COVID-19 patient who developed sepsis, ARDS, acute kidney injury, and deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), who was deteriorating clinically. She was treated with anticoagulation. <b><i>Results:</i></b> There was rapid recovery after treatment with systemic anticoagulation. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Systemic anticoagulation could prove to be essential in the treatment of CO­VID-19. Further studies are required to assess its role in improving long-term morbidity and mortality in these patients.