Acute Renal Artery Embolism in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Case Report.

Abstract

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is identified as the pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2). The intravascular thrombotic phenomena related to the COVID-19 are emerging as an important complication that contribute to significant mortality. Case presentationWe present a 62-year-old man with severe COVID-19 and type 2 diabetes. After symptomatic and supportive treatment, the respiratory function was gradually improved. However, the patient suddenly developed abdominal pain, and the enhanced CT scan revealed acute left renal artery embolism. Given the risk of surgery and the duration of the disease, clopidogrel and heparin sodium were included in the subsequent treatment. Later, the abdominal pain and hypercoagulable state disappeared, and the effect was still satisfactory.ConclusionsThis report clarifies the challenges posed by embolism complications in the management of COVID-19 patients. Thrombosis is at a high risk in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia because of hypercoagulable state, blood stasis and endothelial injury. Thrombotic events caused by hypercoagulation status secondary to vascular endothelial injury deserves our attention. Because timely anticoagulation can reduce the risk of early complications, as illustrated in this case report.