Case Report: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pneumonia With Multiple Thromboembolism

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) broke out in Wuhan, China, in late December 2019 and has since spread rapidly around the world. Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia patients have abnormal blood coagulation function, but their thromboembolism prevalence is still unknown. We reported a case of a 49-year-old man infected with COVID-19, presenting with fever, chest pain, limb weakness, myalgia, and dyspnea. The patient was diagnosed with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and cerebral infarction. He received supportive and empirical treatment including anticoagulant treatment, anti-inflammatory treatment, oxygen supply, and inhalation therapy. The patient's symptoms, CT images, and laboratory results improved after treatment, and a throat swab was reported to be negative for SARS-CoV-2 virus by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. However, on day 51 of illness onset, CT reexamination demonstrated hemorrhagic infarction. Anticoagulant therapy was discontinued temporarily. After the patient tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 virus by PCR test six more times, he was discharged and remained in home quarantine. This case highlights the importance of clinician attentiveness to the appearance of multiple thromboembolism, especially in patients with severe pulmonary damage. It also emphasizes the diagnostic value of early CT imaging and the need for effective treatment once thrombotic events occur.