An acute lower limb ischemia revealing a covid-19 infection: A case report

• Published in: Annals of medicine and surgery 2022-09, Vol.81, Article 104445
• Main Authors: EL Mesnaoui, Rim, Nikiema, Soumaila, Massimbo, Desire, EL Mesnaoui, Abbes
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Arterial; Case Report; Covid-19; Lower limb ischemia; Thrombo-embolic events; Venous
• ISSN: 2049-0801; 2049-0801
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104445

Covid-19 is associated with thrombo-embolic events. These complications are either veinous or arterial. By this case report, we aim to highlight the physiopathology and the epidemiology of covid-19 related thromboembolic complications. We report a case of a 65 years old patient who was admitted fo lower limb ischemia complicating a covid-19 infection. Computed tomography of the aorta and lower limbs showed thrombosis of the femoral artery extended to the popliteal artery and leg arteries. Despite a surgical embolectomy the patient rethromboses twice leading to a thigh amputation. Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain Covid 19-related thromboembolic events. About 3% of patients develop arterial thrombosis. Raffaello Bellosta and al. reported the incidence of acute limb ischemia has significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Italian Lombardy region. The coagulopathy responsible for venous and arterial thrombosis is a well-established complication of COVID-19. Arterial thromboembolic complications can be either stroke, acute coronary syndrome or peripheral acute ischemia. Therefore, patients with covid19 should be monitored more closely for thromboembolic complications. •Covid-19 is associated with thrombo-embolic events.•Patients with covid19 should be monitored more closely for thromboembolic complications.•Lower limb ischemia complicating a covid-19 infection.•A large thrombus adherent to the posterior wall of the descending thoracic aorta due to Covid-19.