Acute Upper Limb Arterial Thrombosis: A Complication of COVID-19

Abstract

Presentation of COVID-19 ranges from asymptomatic/simple cold symptoms to an acute respiratory distress syndrome, requiring intubation. Several extra-respiratory complications have been described, with thromboembolic events being the most feared one. We describe a case of an unvaccinated man in his 60s who developed thrombotic occlusions of the left upper limb and mesenteric artery in the context of an acute COVID-19 infection, despite intermediate-dose thromboprophylaxis. CT angiogram showed complete occlusion of the left radial and cubital arteries with multiple thromboses in the aorta. Successful endovascular embolectomy via brachial artery was performed with favorable angiographic and clinical results. Awareness of COVID-19-associated arterial thrombosis risk is essential to rapidly recognize and treat this limb-threatening complication.