Multifaceted COVID-19 Associated Coagulopathy

Abstract

The pathophysiology behind Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) has remained blur even after more than two years of onset of the pandemic. Apart from pulmonary parenchymal involvement, widespread vascular thrombosis affecting both pulmonary and extra-pulmonary systems has also been seen to contribute to COVID-19 associated morbidity. This vascular manifestation often remains undiagnosed due to non specific and varied symptoms that range from asymptomatic detection to life threatening presentations. A series of six COVID-19 positive (three male and three female) cases who presented with thrombosis of pulmonary, coronary and cerebral vessels despite being on thromboprophylaxis are reported herein. The age of patients ranged from 32 to 80 years. Out of six patients, three had comorbidities. The most common complication was Pulmonary Thromboembolism (PTE, n=4) followed by Myocardial Infarction (MI, n=1) and cerebellar infarct (n=1). Out of three patients with PTE, one patient had concurrent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). All patients were managed as per guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for severe COVID-19 disease. Out of six patients, three patients died and three were discharged. The series highlights the need for high index of suspicion on the part of the treating physician that could aid in early detection and successful management of this potentially fatal condition.