Pharmacological Management of Saddle Pulmonary Embolism in a High-Risk Patient With COVID-19

A pulmonary embolism (PE) that is located in the main pulmonary artery is known as a saddle pulmonary embolism. Individuals at high risk who become unstable often require surgical intervention or more aggressive management with thrombolytic therapy. COVID-19 is a known risk factor for a hypercoagulable state and therefore increases the risk of PE and its associated complications. Individuals hospitalized with the COVID-19 virus and who have evidence of right ventricular dysfunction with PE are found to have a significantly higher risk of mortality. We present a case of an individual with several high-risk factors for PE as well as COVID-19 infection and evidence of cardiac strain, making the decision for treatment less clear. He was, however, treated successfully with heparin and enoxaparin alone. Furthermore, our case hadresolving symptoms of COVID-19, highlighting the importance of high clinical suspicion for PE in those diagnosed with COVID-19.