Aortic Thrombosis and Ischemic Stroke With Hemorrhagic Conversion in a Patient With Remote COVID-19 Infection: A Treatment Dilemma

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is primarily known to affect the lungs; however, several studies indicate that it can be a multisystem disease. There is documentation detailing different sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Patients affected with this virus have been seen to develop a hypercoagulable state leading to systemic thrombosis in some cases or embolism leading to catastrophic outcomes in others. Data regarding anticoagulation in these patients is limited. Further research needs to be carried out for management and prophylaxis for patients with COVID-19 at risk of aortic thrombosis. 

We present a case of a middle-aged man with multiple comorbidities and remote COVID-19 infection who came to the emergency room with signs and symptoms worrisome for a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Brain imaging revealed multiple cortical infarcts suggestive of a cardioembolic etiology. During his hospitalization, he underwent a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) that showed a 1x1 cm mobile thrombus in the distal descending aorta. Laboratory workup was negative for any hypercoagulable condition; it was thought that this patient might have a hypercoagulable state post-COVID-19 infection. After a thorough risk vs. benefit discussion, patient was started on apixaban. He remains alive and is doing well in a recent follow-up in our clinic.