Limb Ischemia due to Extensive Arterial Thrombosis in the Absence of Venous Occlusion as an Unusual Complication of Critical Illness from COVID-19

Abstract

There is increasing evidence of a link between the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and venous and arterial thrombotic events. Here, we report a 60-year-old male patient with severe COVID-19 who developed extensive arterial thromboses and limb ischemia despite being on therapeutic-dose anticoagulation. While the exact mechanism for such events is unknown, our report highlights the importance of maintaining a high degree of suspicion in critically ill patients. Further research should focus on the mechanistic pathways along with the optimal anticoagulation and/or antithrombotic strategy.

Keywords

• arterial thrombosis
• covid-19
• thromboembolism
• thrombophilia
• ischemia