Acute pulmonary embolism in COVID-19 disease: Case Report

Inflammation, cytokine storm and lung damage associated with COVID-19 can cause the initiation of the thromboembolic process in patients. The 73-year-old male patient applied with sudden-onset shortness of breath to the emergency department of our hospital. Physical examination revealed an SpO2 of 8...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: İftihar Köksal, Nicat Nasirov, Yıldız Okuturlar, Ramazan Gunes, Beste Naz Çelik
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nizameddin KOCA 2023-01-01
Series:Turkish Journal of Internal Medicine
Subjects:
Online Access:https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/1566088
Description
Summary:Inflammation, cytokine storm and lung damage associated with COVID-19 can cause the initiation of the thromboembolic process in patients. The 73-year-old male patient applied with sudden-onset shortness of breath to the emergency department of our hospital. Physical examination revealed an SpO2 of 80% in room air, respiratory rate of 27/min. As the chest CT scan was compatible with COVID-19, the patient was admitted to the hospital and empirical treatment for COVID-19 was started, comprising of favipravir and dexamethasone. The RT-PCR of SARS-CoV-2 test resulted positive one day later. Due to the D-dimer value that was higher than expected in COVID-19, arterial blood gas compatible with thromboembolism, and the accompanying high lactate level, a CT angiogram was ordered and was compatible with pulmonary embolism, showing partial embolic filling defects in the lobar branches in the inferior lobes, and the lingular branch of the left lung. A closer investigation of pulmonary embolism in high-risk patients during the pandemics, and prescribing anticoagulant therapy starting on especially the first day of symptoms are vital to prevent potential complications of possible thromboembolism.
ISSN:2687-4245