Severe ischemic complications in Covid-19-A case series

COVID-19 and acute limb ischemia: latest hypotheses of pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a multi-system disease that can lead to various severe complications. Acute limb ischemia (ALI) has been increasingly recognized as a COVID-19-associated complication that often predicts a poor prognosis. However, the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms underlying COVID-19-associated ALI remain poorly understood. Hypercoagulability and thrombosis are considered important mechanisms, but we also emphasize the roles of vasospasm, hypoxia, and acidosis in the pathogenesis of the disease. The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) pathway, inflammation, and platelet activation may be important molecular mechanisms underlying these pathological changes induced by COVID-19. Furthermore, we discuss the hypotheses of risk factors for COVID-19-associated ALI from genetic, age, and gender perspectives based on our analysis of molecular mechanisms. Additionally, we summarize therapeutic approaches such as use of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) blocker tocilizumab, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, providing insights for the future treatment of coronavirus-associated limb ischemic diseases.

Portal-splenic-mesenteric venous thrombosis in COVID-19 patients: a systematic review

The COVID-19 pandemic affected millions of people worldwide. In addition to respiratory impairment, this viral infection can also provoke gastrointestinal symptoms caused by vascular disorders, such as portal-splenic-mesenteric venous thrombosis (PSMVT). This systematic review aimed to investigate the profile of patients who developed PSMVT concomitant with or after viral infection and its predominant outcomes. The database searches returned 214 articles. Of these, 40 case reports were included in the review, presenting a total of 41 cases of PSMVT addressed. Males were more prevalent (n=27; 65.85%), mean age was 51.54 years, and 19.57% had a previous history of endocrine diseases. Statistically significant relationships (p<0.05) were found between patient death and tachypnea at hospital admission (p=0.043) and between patient death and age (p=0.019). It was therefore possible to identify the main profiles and risk factors for PSMVT development and mortality of COVID-19 infected patients.

Scoping Review of Clinical Presentations and Outcomes in Patients with Concomitant COVID-19 Infection and Acute Mesenteric Ischaemia

OBJECTIVES

COVID-19 infection confers an increased risk of coagulation dysfunction (1) predisposing to thromboembolism in many anatomical sites including the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) (2). This study investigates the clinical presentation and outcome in patients presenting with concurrent COVID-19 infection and gastrointestinal tract ischaemia. Furthermore, differentiation and comparisons are drawn between those with arterial and venous aetiology for mesenteric ischaemia.

METHODS

A systematic search was undertaken on EMBASE, PubMed, and MEDLINE. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full-text articles according to the inclusion criteria and extracted relevant data. Data analyses were conducted using Excel®.

RESULTS

Forty-one studies were included in the data analyses, yielding 44 patients. Twenty-six patients had mesenteric arterial occlusion, sixteen patients had mesenteric venous occlusion, and two patients had both arterial and venous mesenteric occlusion. All patients had concurrent COVID-19 infection. The survival rate in patients with arterial aetiology was 38.5% in contrast to 68.8% in patients with venous aetiology. Twelve patients (29.3%) experienced respiratory symptoms in the community before the onset of gastrointestinal symptoms, and five (12.2%) developed gastrointestinal symptoms during their inpatient stay for COVID-19 pneumonitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute mesenteric ischaemia presents a clinical challenge to diagnose due to its non-specific symptoms. Concurrent COVID-19 infection with its predominant respiratory symptoms adds a further challenge in recognising the non-specific symptoms of mesenteric ischaemia. Our study draws attention to the increased thromboembolic risk posed by COVID-19 infection and the need for a high index of suspicion to aid prompt diagnosis and management of acute mesenteric ischaemia, even in the post-pandemic era.

Acute Limb Ischemia in COVID-19: A Systematic Review

Numerous studies have reported cases of acute limb ischemia (ALI) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), along with a sharp increase of ALI incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study was to analyze the clinical features, treatment strategies, and outcomes in COVID-19 patients who developed ALI. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane to identify relevant articles. Variables of interest included ALI location, ALI and COVID-19 severity, concomitant thrombosis, comorbidities/risk factors, coagulation and inflammatory parameters, therapy, outcome, and cause of death. Data extraction and pooling were conducted by two reviewers. Fifty-six articles with a total of 191 subjects were included in the analysis; 78.5% of the subjects were male; mean age was 64.2 years; 94.2% of cases were ALI de novo; 41.1% of the subjects had ALI stage IIB; 82.7% of ALI occurred in the lower limb. The popliteal artery was the most commonly affected artery (48.2% of subjects); 38.1% of the subjects had severe COVID-19; 11.1% had asymptomatic COVID-19, and 15.9% were post-COVID-19; 50.7% of the subjects had hypertension; 12.0% of the subjects had concomitant thrombosis; 98.1% of the subjects had elevated D-dimer, and 83.3% of the subjects had elevated C-reactive protein; 61.9% of the subjects underwent surgical thromboembolectomy, 21.3% underwent conservative treatment, and 8.1% underwent amputation initially. The overall mortality rate and limb amputation rate were 39.3 and 22.4%, respectively; 67.6% of deaths were due to respiratory failure. Our study supports that COVID-19 is associated with hypercoagulability that may trigger the development of ALI, and that ALI is a possible predictor of poor outcome in COVID-19 patients.

Mesenteric Ischemia in Patients with Coronavirus 2019: A Scoping Review

Background: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is a systemic disease associated with severe gastrointestinal complications including life-threatening mesenteric ischemia. We sought to review and summarize the currently available literature on the presentation, management, and outcomes of mesenteric ischemia in patients with COVID-19. Patients and Methods: The PubMed database was searched to identify studies published between January 2020 and January 2021 that reported one or more adult (≥18 years) patients with COVID-19 who developed mesenteric ischemia during hospitalization. The demographic characteristics, clinical and imaging findings, management, and outcomes of patients from each study were extracted and summarized. Results: A total of 35 articles reporting on 61 patients with COVID-19 with mesenteric ischemia met the eligibility and were included in our study. The mean age was 60 (±15.9) years, and 53% of patients were male. Imaging findings of these patients included mesenteric arterial or venous thromboembolism, followed by signs of mesenteric ischemia. Sixty-seven percent of patients were taken to the operating room for an exploratory laparotomy and bowel resection and 21% were managed conservatively. The terminal ileum was the most commonly involved area of necrosis (26%). The mortality rate of patients with COVID-19 with mesenteric ischemia was 33%, and the most common cause of death was multiorgan failure or refractory septic shock. Twenty-seven percent of patients managed operatively died during the post-operative period. Conclusions: Mesenteric ischemia in patients with COVID-19 is a devastating complication associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Further efforts should focus on developing strategies for early recognition and management.

Management of acute aortoiliac arterial thrombosis in patients with the novel coronavirus disease 2019: A case series and systematic review of the literature

Objectives

Venous thrombosis has been widely described in the setting of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection; however, arterial thrombosis has rarely been reported. This study aims to assess the incidence, risk factors, interventions, and outcomes of acute aortoiliac arterial thrombosis in patients with active SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Methods

We present seven SARS-CoV-2-positive patients from our institution who acutely developed thrombi in the aortoiliac arterial system (7/2020-1/2021). A systematic review of the literature on aortoiliac arterial thrombosis in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infections in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was also performed. The available data from all reported cases in the literature and at our institution were analyzed.

Results

Thirty published articles and journal correspondences, including 52 patients, were reviewed and analyzed in addition to our institution's 7 cases. In total, 59 SARS-CoV-2-positive patients were found to have acute aortoiliac thrombosis. The abdominal aorta was the most frequent location for the development of a thrombus. Baseline demographics and medical comorbidities were not significantly different between the symptomatic and asymptomatic cohorts. Seventy-one percent of patients were symptomatic (lower limb ischemia: 75.0%, renal infarction: 20.0%, stroke: 12.5%, mesenteric ischemia: 10.0%). All patients with thrombus involving the ascending aorta, aortic bifurcation, or iliac artery developed thromboembolic or ischemic complications. All patients received systemic anticoagulation. Fifty-three percent of all patients were managed medically. Ninety-four percent of the asymptomatic patients were managed medically. One asymptomatic patient underwent endovascular aspiration of a mobile thrombus. Three (23.1%) deaths occurred in the asymptomatic cohort from hypoxic respiratory failure. Fourteen (36.8%) deaths occurred in the symptomatic cohort. The in-hospital mortality rate was 33.3% overall and 43.8% for patients with thrombi involving more than one aortoiliac segment.

Conclusions

The presence of thrombi in the aortoiliac arterial system appears to be a poor prognostic indicator for patients with active SARS-CoV-2 infections. Medical management of patients with asymptomatic aortoiliac thrombi may be considered. The presence of thrombi involving the ascending aorta, aortic bifurcation, or iliac artery may warrant consideration for operative intervention due to the risk for thromboembolic or ischemic complications. Further study is needed to fully delineate the risk factors, optimal treatment, and outcomes of arterial thrombosis in the setting of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Gastrointestinal Ischemia—Stumbling Stone in COVID-19 Patients

The emergence of the novel SARS-CoV2 virus, proclaimed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a culpable agent for the pandemic situation, caught the scientific and medical communities off guard. One of the most common complications following pulmonary disease is represented by gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, especially ischemic damage. Inflammation, vasculopathy, immobility, endothelial dysfunction, and a hypercoagulable condition have all been proposed as pathophysiological factors for GI ischemia in these patients. Owing to the COVID-19 effect on a variety of GI conditions, especially ischemic changes, and the high mortality rate, physicians should always keep in mind this complication. They should take a deeper look at clinical and imaging modalities in this cohort of patients so that a proper and time-saving treatment strategy can be applied. Our study aimed to elucidate the thrombogenic mechanism in different GI disorders. Moreover, we analyzed the factors related to necrotic GI changes, by summarizing the already reported data of GI ischemia in COVID-19. To the best of our knowledge, this review is the first to incorporate all GI ischemia cases reported in the literature so far.

Mesenteric ischemia in patients with COVID-19: an updated systematic review of abdominal CT findings in 75 patients

BACKGROUND

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a less common but devastating complication of COVID-19 disease. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the most common CT imaging features of AMI in COVID-19 and also provide an updated review of the literature on symptoms, treatment, histopathological and operative findings, and follow-up of these patients.

METHODS

A systematic literature search of four databases: Pubmed, EMBASE, WHO database, and Google Scholar, was performed to identify all the articles which described abdominal CT imaging findings of AMI in COVID-19.

RESULTS

A total of 47 studies comprising 75 patients were included in the final review. Small bowel ischemia (46.67%) was the most prevalent abdominal CT finding, followed by ischemic colitis (37.3%). Non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI; 67.9%) indicating microvascular involvement was the most common pattern of bowel involvement. Bowel wall thickening/edema (50.9%) was more common than bowel hypoperfusion (20.7%). While ileum and colon both were equally involved bowel segments (32.07% each), SMA (24.9%), SMV (14.3%), and the spleen (12.5%) were the most commonly involved artery, vein, and solid organ, respectively. 50% of the patients receiving conservative/medical management died, highlighting high mortality without surgery. Findings on laparotomy and histopathology corroborated strikingly with CT imaging findings.

CONCLUSION

In COVID-19 patients with AMI, small bowel ischemia is the most prevalent imaging diagnosis and NOMI is the most common pattern of bowel involvement. Contrast-enhanced CT is a powerful decision-making tool for prompt diagnosis of AMI in COVID-19, thereby potentially improving time to treat as well as clinical outcomes.

Review of Mesenteric Ischemia in COVID-19 Patients

The new coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, first detected in Wuhan, China in 2019 has become a pandemic that has spread to nearly every country in the world. Through October 11, 2021, more than 23 billion confirmed cases and 4.8 million fatalities were reported globally. The bulk of individuals afflicted in India during the first wave were elderly persons. The second wave, however, resulted in more severe diseases and mortality in even younger age groups due to mutations in the wild virus. Symptoms may range from being asymptomatic to fatal acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In addition to respiratory symptoms, patients may present with gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, loose stools, or mesenteric vein thrombosis. The frequency of patients presenting with thromboembolic symptoms has recently increased. According to certain studies, the prevalence of venous thromboembolism among hospitalized patients ranges from 9 to 25%. It was also shown that the incidence is significantly greater among critically sick patients, with a prevalence of 21–31%. Although the exact origin of thromboembolism is unknown, it is considered to be produced by several altered pathways that manifest as pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, stroke, limb gangrene, and acute mesenteric ischemia. Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is becoming an increasingly prevalent cause of acute surgical abdomen in both intensive care unit (ICU) and emergency room (ER) patients. Mesenteric ischemia should be evaluated in situations with unexplained stomach discomfort. In suspected situations, appropriate imaging techniques and early intervention, either non-surgical or surgical, are necessary to avert mortality. The purpose of this article is to look at the data on acute mesenteric ischemia in people infected with COVID-19.

Aortic Thrombosis following COVID-19: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

 Arterial and venous thromboses associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been well described. These events are caused by a hypercoagulable state due to endotheliopathy and infection-driven coagulopathy. There has been an ever-increasing number of documented cases of aortic thrombosis (AoT) in COVID-19 patients. We conducted a systematic review of current scientific literature to identify and consolidate evidence of AoT in COVID-19 patients.

METHODS

 A systematic review of literature was conducted between March 15, 2020, and May 1, 2021, on PubMed and Cochrane databases. Additionally, a case from our facility was included.

RESULTS

 A total of 38 studies (12 case series and 26 case reports) and a case from our facility describing AoT in 56 COVID-19 patients were included. Patients were aged 64.8 ± 10.5 years, were predominantly male (75%), and had several comorbidities. AoT was symptomatic in 82,14% of patients; however, when D dimers were reported, they were significantly elevated even in otherwise asymptomatic patients. Most patients had no previous history of aortic disease. Thrombosis was described in all parts of the aorta, with several cases reporting multiple locations. The median reported time until development of AoT was 10 days. Peripheral thrombosis occurred in 73.21% of cases, most commonly causing lower limb ischemia. Mortality rate was 30.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

 AoT can occur with no clinical symptoms or as a primary symptom in otherwise asymptomatic COVID-19 patients. D dimers are a highly sensitive diagnostic tool. Diagnosis of this condition prior to development of complications could be instrumental in saving many lives.

Acute Mesenteric Ischemia in COVID-19 Patients

Acute mesenteric ischemia is a rare but extremely severe complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The present review aims to document the clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings, management, and outcomes of acute intestinal ischemia in COVID-19 patients. A comprehensive search was performed on PubMed and Web of Science with the terms "COVID-19" and "bowel ischemia" OR "intestinal ischemia" OR "mesenteric ischemia" OR "mesenteric thrombosis". After duplication removal, a total of 36 articles were included, reporting data on a total of 89 patients, 63 being hospitalized at the moment of onset. Elevated D-dimers, leukocytosis, and C reactive protein (CRP) were present in most reported cases, and a contrast-enhanced CT exam confirms the vascular thromboembolism and offers important information about the bowel viability. There are distinct features of bowel ischemia in non-hospitalized vs. hospitalized COVID-19 patients, suggesting different pathological pathways. In ICU patients, the most frequently affected was the large bowel alone (56%) or in association with the small bowel (24%), with microvascular thrombosis. Surgery was necessary in 95.4% of cases. In the non-hospitalized group, the small bowel was involved in 80%, with splanchnic veins or arteries thromboembolism, and a favorable response to conservative anticoagulant therapy was reported in 38.4%. Mortality was 54.4% in the hospitalized group and 21.7% in the non-hospitalized group (p < 0.0001). Age over 60 years (p = 0.043) and the need for surgery (p = 0.019) were associated with the worst outcome. Understanding the mechanisms involved and risk factors may help adjust the thromboprophylaxis and fluid management in COVID-19 patients.

Acute Mesenteric Ischemia in Patients with COVID-19: Review of the literature

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has resulted in a global health emergency. In addition to common respiratory symptoms, some patients with COVID-19 infections may experience a range of extra-pulmonary manifestations, such as digestive system involvement. Patients with COVID-19 have been reported to suffer from acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) that is associated with disease-related severity and mortality. However, in the context of COVID-19, the exact cause of AMI has yet to be clearly defined. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the available data and elucidates the possible underlying mechanisms linking COVID-19 to AMI, in addition to highlighting therapeutic approaches for clinicians. Finally, given the severe global impact of COVID-19, we emphasize the importance of coordinated vaccination programs.

Portal Vein Thrombosis Might Develop by COVID-19 Infection or Vaccination: A Systematic Review of Case-Report Studies

Background and Objective: Infection by the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with different types of thrombotic complications same as portal vein thrombosis (PVT). However, by emerging vaccines of COVID, the thrombosis did not seem to be concerning anymore. Until new findings showed that, the vaccine of COVID itself can cause PVT.

Method: We performed an electronic search in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Sciences to evaluate the possibility of occurring PVT due to infection and vaccination of COVID-19. The results were reported in a narrative method and categorized into tables.

Result: Overall, 40 cases of PVT from 34 studies were reviewed in this article. The prevalence of PVT following COVID-19 was more remarkable in males. However, it was more common in females after vaccinations of COVID-19 in the reviewed cases. Regardless of etiology, 20 of PVT cases reviewed in this article had at least one comorbidity. The most common clinical presentation was abdominal pain (AP). After anticoagulant therapies, most of the patients improved or discharged.

Conclusion: As long as the laboratory findings are not appropriate enough to predict PVT, the diagnosis of this complication with whatever underlying reason is challengeable, while rapid diagnosis and treatment of that are vital. Therefore, by providing available data in an organized way, we aimed to prepare the information of infected patients for better and easier future diagnosis of PVT in new cases.

Acute Limb Ischemia in a Patient With COVID-19 Pneumonia

COVID-19, which is caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), is known to cause a myriad of complications along with the typical lower respiratory tract involvement. One of the emerging complications is a hypercoagulable state leading to venous or arterial thromboembolism. These complications are more common in those presenting with a severe disease with significantly elevated inflammatory markers. Although co-morbid illnesses play a role in worsening such complications, yet they are not the main determinants as these complications also occur in those without any co-morbid illness. Here, we report a case of a 64-year-old male with severe COVID-19 pneumonia presenting with acute limb ischemia with a non-salvageable limb who required subsequent amputation of the affected limb.

A review of aortic thrombosis in COVID-19 infection

Aim: As the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacts the global healthcare system, evolving data show increased frequency of arterial and venous thromboembolism among patients with COVID-19 infection. Aortic thrombus is a rare thrombotic event with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations and potential catastrophic complications. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment dilemmas of aortic thrombus with COVID-19 infection and raise awareness among frontline medical providers. Aortic thrombosis is rare, but if not considered early in the course of COVID-19 infection, the data suggest that the diagnosis will probably not be made until potentially serious complications arise. Methods: Literature review was conducted between November 1, 2019, and November 14, 2020, on PubMed and Embase to identify publications regarding aortic thrombosis among COVID-19 cases. Results: Most of the patients were male with a median age of 67 years, and had comorbidities (most commonly hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes mellitus). In our study, underlying atherosclerosis, a common risk factor for aortic thrombus, was identified among 56% of the patients. Aortic thrombus was symptomatic in 62% of these patients and most commonly manifested itself as acute limb ischemia (46%), whereas 30% of cases were found incidentally during the investigation of elevated inflammatory markers or increased oxygen requirement. Treatment was individualized given the lack of established guidelines for aortic thrombus, including anticoagulation, systemic and catheter directed thrombolysis, and surgical thrombectomy. Overall mortality was found to be 30% in our study. Conclusions: Although rare, aortic thrombus has high morbidity and mortality, and can present without any symptoms or underlying aortic disease. Aortic thrombosis is rare, but if not considered early in the course of COVID-19 infection, the data suggest that the diagnosis will probably not be made until potentially serious complications arise.

COVID-19 and acute limb ischemia: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

The main goal of this systematic review is to analyze the outcomes of acute limb ischemia (ALI) in patients suffering from the novel Coronavirus COVID-19 (Sars-Cov-2).

EVIDENCE OF ACQUISITION

A systematic review on MEDLINE and Embase was conducted up to May 15, 2021. All papers were sorted by abstract and full text by two independent authors. Systematic reviews, commentaries, and studies that did not distinguish status of COVID-19 infection were excluded from review. Patient demographics were recorded along with modality of treatment (endovascular and/or surgical). We analyzed 30-day outcomes, including mortality. Primary outcome was to evaluate clinical characteristic of ALI in patients affected by SARS-CoV-2 in term of location of ischemia, treatment options and 30-day outcomes.

EVINDENCE SYNTHESIS

We selected 36 articles with a total of 194 patients. The majority of patients were male (80%) with a median age of 60 years old. The treatment most used was thromboembolectomy (31% of all surgical interventions). A total of 32 patients (19%) were not submitted to revascularization due to critical status. The rate of technical success was low (68%) and mortality rate was high (35%).

CONCLUSIONS

This review confirms that Sars-Cov-2 is associated with a high risk of ALI. Further studies are needed to investigate the association and elucidate potential mechanisms, which may include a hypercoagulable state and hyperactivation of the immune response. Furthermore, management of ALI is not standardized and depends on patient's condition and extension of the thrombosed segment. ALI in COVID-19 patients is associated with high risk of failure of revascularization and perioperative mortality.

Acute splanchnic vein thrombosis in patients with COVID-19: A systematic review

There is increasing evidence that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with a significant risk of venous thromboembolism. While information are mainly available for deep vein thrombosis of the lower limb and pulmonary embolism, scarce data exist regarding acute splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) in this setting. PubMed, EMBASE and Google Scholar English-language articles published up to 30 January 2021 on SVT in COVID-19 were searched. Overall, 21 articles reporting equal number of patients were identified. 15 subjects presented with portal vein thrombosis, 11 with mesenteric vein thrombosis, four with splenic vein thrombosis, and two with Budd-Chiari syndrome. Male sex was prevalent (15 patients), and median age was 43 years (range 26-79 years). Three patients had a history of liver disease, while no subject had known myeloproliferative syndrome. Clinical presentation included mainly gastrointestinal symptoms. Anticoagulation was started in 16 patients. Three patients underwent bowel resection. Ten subjects developed gastric or bowel ischemia, seven of whom underwent bowel resection, and four died after SVT diagnosis. Although rare, SVT should be seen as a complication of COVID-19. Patients with severe gastrointestinal symptoms should be screened for SVT, as rapid recognition and correct management are essential to improve the outcome of these patients.

Acute Limb Ischemia in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 is a multisystemic disorder. Hematologic and cardiovascular involvement of COVID-19 causes thromboembolic events across multiple organs which mainly manifest as venous thromboembolism, and rarely, peripheral arterial thromboembolic events. In-situ thrombosis of a healthy, non-atherosclerotic native artery is rare, and COVID-19 has been reported to be a cause of this phenomenon. We aimed to report our institutional experience with COVID-19 patients who developed acute limb ischemia (ALI) during hospitalization or after discharge.

METHODS

This was a single-center cross-sectional study. Records of all patients ≥18 years of age admitted to a tertiary center with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 infection between September 1 and December 31, 2020 were retrospectively examined. Data regarding patient demographics, co-morbidities and outcomes were collected. Patients were followed-up during index hospitalization and for 30 days postdischarge. Acute limb ischemia was diagnosed by means of duplex ultrasound and computed tomography angiography in the presence of a clinical suspicion.

RESULTS

A total of 681 consecutive patients (38.5% women) were hospitalized with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 during the study period. Median age was 63 years (IQR, 52-74). In-hospital mortality occurred in 94 (13.8%) patients. Ninety (13.2%) patients required intensive care unit admission at some point of their hospital stay. Six (0.9%) patients (one woman) with a median age of 62 years experienced ALI (IQR, 59-64.3). All patients were receiving low molecular weight heparin when they developed ALI. The median of duration between COVID-19 diagnosis and ALI symptom onset was 13 days (IQR, 11.3-14). Three patients underwent emergent surgical thrombectomy combined with systemic anticoagulation, and 3 received systemic anticoagulation alone. Two patients with ALI did not survive to hospital discharge. Among survivors, 1 patient underwent bilateral major amputations, and another underwent a minor amputation within 1 month of hospital discharge. Symptoms of ALI completely resolved in 2 patients without sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 is a multisystemic disorder with involvement of hematologic and cardiovascular systems. Despite widespread use of thromboprophylaxis, hospitalized patients with COVID-19 are at increased risk of ALI, and subsequent limb loss or even death.

Mesenteric ischemia in COVID-19 patients: A review of current literature

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus has affected all the systems of the body, defying all impressions of it being a respiratory virus only.

AIM

To see the association of mesenteric ischemia with COVID-19.

METHODS

After initial screening and filtering of the titles on PubMed and Google Scholar, 124 articles were selected. Articles were read in full, and the references were skimmed for relevance. Twenty-six articles (case reports and case series) were found to eligible for inclusion. References of these 26 articles were checked for any additional cases. Two more publications were found, and a total of 28 articles (22 case reports and 6 case series) have been included for review in this manuscript.

RESULTS

A total of 41 cases of acute mesenteric ischemia in COVID-19 patients have been reported in the literature since the outbreak of this pandemic. Most of them include patients with comorbidities.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, based on this literature review and precise published knowledge regarding acute mesenteric ischemia in patients with COVID-19, it is essential to understand its relevance in all patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. The threshold for the diagnostic investigations should also be kept low for the timely diagnosis and management of this disorder.

Percutaneous Revascularization for COVID-19 Induced Spontaneous Arterial Thrombosis

The optimal management strategy of acute limb ischemia in non-ventilated patients with COVID-19 is uncertain. We propose that non-ventilated patients who develop COVID-19 related spontaneous arterial thrombosis with associated limb threat may be best suited with percutnaeous revascularization to achieve limb salvage. Herein we describe 5 cases of patients who had severely threatened limbs with complete thrombosis of all 3 tibial arteries who were treated with percutaneous revascularization. All 5 patients were felt to be facing inevitable amputation without revascularization should they survive their COVID hospitalization. We were able to achieve limb salvage in all 5 patients selected for therapy, although 2 ultimately succumbed to respiratory failure.

Acute Limb Ischemia in Critically ill COVID-19 Patients: a Case Series and Literature Review

Background: The vascular burden increased by COVID-19 infection and including acute limb ischemia (ALI) quickly emerged as a major medical challenge with devastating consequences such as limb loss, multiorgan dysfunction and death. We report a case series of COVID-19 infection associated with ALI to raise awareness and knowledge towards this life-threatening association. Methods: COVIDS-19 patients with acute limb ischemia (ALI) managed in a Moroccan 14 beds COVID-19 ICU between March 2020 and January 2021, were reviewed. Data collected included demographics, clinical presentation, treatments and outcomes. Results: Over the 10-month period, our ICU cared for 407 hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19. A total of 6 COVID-19 patients with ALI were identified. The mean age was 61 years (52 - 70) and 5 were men. The most common preexisting condition was diabetes (50%). The mean CRP level was 219 mg/L. Five patients had thrombus in multiple locations. No concomitant deep vein thrombosis was identified. Four patients presented with signs of acute No arterial ischemia with or without respiratory symptoms and were subsequently diagnosed with COVID-19. The remaining two patients developed ischemia during hospitalization. Mean SOFA score was 5 (2 -9). Respiratory support, corticosteroids and heparin therapies were used in all patients. Intubation and vasopressors were required in four patients. Revascularization was performed in five patients and reintervention was necessary in three cases. Four patients died in the ICU while two were successfully discharged. Conclusion: ALI in COVID-19 patients is a challenging life-threatening vascular emergency that requires appropriate multidisciplinary management (intensivists, anesthesiologists, vascular surgeons and interventionists, radiologists, haematologists…) and further studies focused on anticoagulation. Keywords: Acute Limb ischemia, Coagulopathy, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Thrombosis