Acute pulmonary embolism in COVID-19 disease: Case Report

Abstract

Inflammation, cytokine storm and lung damage associated with COVID-19 can cause the initiation of the thromboembolic process in patients. The 73-year-old male patient applied with sudden-onset shortness of breath to the emergency department of our hospital. Physical examination revealed an SpO2 of 80% in room air, respiratory rate of 27/min. As the chest CT scan was compatible with COVID-19, the patient was admitted to the hospital and empirical treatment for COVID-19 was started, comprising of favipravir and dexamethasone. The RT-PCR of SARS-CoV-2 test resulted positive one day later. Due to the D-dimer value that was higher than expected in COVID-19, arterial blood gas compatible with thromboembolism, and the accompanying high lactate level, a CT angiogram was ordered and was compatible with pulmonary embolism, showing partial embolic filling defects in the lobar branches in the inferior lobes, and the lingular branch of the left lung. A closer investigation of pulmonary embolism in high-risk patients during the pandemics, and prescribing anticoagulant therapy starting on especially the first day of symptoms are vital to prevent potential complications of possible thromboembolism.

Keywords

• covid-19
• pulmonary embolism
• thromboembolism