COVID-19-associated coagulopathy (CAC) is a feature of COVID-19 that can lead to various thrombotic complications and death. In this review, we briefly highlight possible etiologies, including direct cytotoxicity caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the activation of proinflammatory molecules such as cytokines, underlying coagulopathy. Endothelial dysfunction has been highlighted as pivotal, irrespective of the mechanism involved in CAC. Specific features of CAC distinguishing it from disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and sepsis or ARDS-associated coagulopathy have been discussed. We have also highlighted some hematological parameters, such as elevated D-dimers and partial prothrombin and prothrombin times prolongation, which can guide the use of anticoagulation in critically ill patients. We conclude by highlighting the importance of prophylactic anticoagulation in all COVID-19 hospitalized patients and reiterate the need for institution-specific guidelines for anticoagulation COVID-19 patients since individual institutions have different patient populations.
Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a rare genetic condition defined by capillary malformation, venous malformation, and soft tissue and bony overgrowth. Due to venous malformations, individuals are predisposed to intravascular coagulopathy leading to thrombosis and thromboembolism. However, anticoagulating these patients long-term remains a challenge because of the presence of capillary malformations that increase bleeding risk. We present a rare case of a 30-year-old Caucasian male with KTS and history of gastrointestinal bleeding who has been on anticoagulation since the age of 7 and has had three different inferior vena cava filters placed during his lifetime. At presentation, he had dyspnea with stable vital signs. His prothrombin time/international normalized ratio was 37.3 and 3.2, respectively and chest computed tomography showed bilateral segmental pulmonary embolism (PE). He was treated with heparin drip and his home anticoagulation was switched from warfarin to apixaban at the time of discharge for better anticoagulation optimization. KTS is a condition associated with venous thromboembolic complications that can be difficult to manage. PE should remain on the top of the list of differential diagnoses in patients with KTS presenting with dyspnea even if laboratory findings suggest an alternate diagnosis.
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