Unusual arterial thrombotic events in Covid-19 patients

Introduction: COVID-19 infection is commonly complicated with pro-thrombotic state and endothelial dysfunction. While several studies reported a high incidence of venous thromboembolic events. The occurrence of arterial thromboses are yet rarely described and could be underestimated. Objectives: To describe the clinical and biological characteristics of COVID-19 patients presenting with an associated arterial thromboembolic event. Material and methods: We performed a retrospective multicentric study in 3 centers between France and Italy. All patients with a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and arterial thromboembolic events were included in the analysis. Results: From March 8th to April 25th 2020, we identified 20 patients (24 events) with arterial thromboembolic events over 209 admitted patients (9.6%) with severe COVID-19 infection. Arterial thrombotic events included acute coronary occlusions (n = 9), stroke (n = 6), limb ischemia (n = 3), splenic infarcts (n = 3), aortic thrombosis (n = 2) and occlusive mesenteric ischemia (n = 1). At the time of the event, 10/20 (50%) of patients received thromboprohylaxis, 2/20 (10%) were receiving treatment dose anticoagulation and 5/20 (25%) were receiving antiplatelet therapy. Conclusion: Our observations suggest that serious arterial thrombotic events might occur in Covid-19 patients. However, the exact incidence of such events and the best way to prevent them yet remains to be investigated. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A study found that arterial thromboembolic events occur in a small proportion of COVID-19 patients, but may be underestimated. These events include acute coronary occlusions, stroke, limb ischemia, and more. Further research is needed to determine the exact incidence and best prevention methods.