COVID-19 and Aortic Thrombosis: A Case Report

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is known to cause a myriad of symptoms ranging from mild respiratory illness to severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress. Since its discovery in late 2019 in Wuhan, China, the virus has caused a devastating worldwide pandemic. Although COVID-19 most commonly causes respiratory symptoms, complications such as hypercoagulability are now known to occur in some patients. In this case report, we present a COVID-19 patient that suffered a stroke and was found to have an aortic thrombus. In this case report, we discussed hypercoagulability, venous and arterial thrombosis in COVID-19 patients. We hope to highlight the importance of monitoring laboratory markers of hypercoagulability and thromboembolism symptoms in COVID-19 patients and encourage appropriate prophylaxis and treatment with anticoagulants when necessary. It is unclear whether or not a causal relationship exists given the nature of the syndrome. However, given the growing number of reported cases physicians should maintain awareness of this possible complication when evaluating COVID-19 patients.