Acute Arterial Ischemia Following COVID-19 Infection Clinical Management at Latakia University Hospital

Abstract

Acute arterial ischemia, by definition, is the cessation of blood flow to the target organ caused by the complete blockage of the artery responsible for supplying this organ. The cause may be traumatic, thrombotic, or embolic.

COVID-19 is a viral pandemic that was declared in 2020. Numerous studies have been conducted on it and its complications. Many researchers have stated that this viral infection is responsible for arterial thrombotic complications resulting from the activation of systemic inflammatory pathways and associated coagulopathy.

Despite the decline in talk about COVID-19, infections are still occurring in varying degrees, and patients may seek medical attention for complications, particularly acute thrombotic arterial occlusion.

In our study, during a short period (one month), Latakia University Hospital received three cases complaining of acute arterial occlusion following infection with COVID-19. After diagnosis, treatment was carried out in different ways according to each case.

Based on our study, we recommend not hesitating to prescribe anticoagulants when COVID-19 is suspected, and not stopping at giving painkillers and managing respiratory symptoms only, which may improve the patient's general condition but may mask serious complications, including acute thrombotic arterial occlusion, which may be a cause of amputation or death.