Unusual intracardiac thrombosis in two patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): case series

European Heart Journal - Case Reports

29 December 2020
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ESC Journals

Abstract

AbstractBackground

COVID-19 may induce a coagulation dysregulation resulting in a prothrombotic state with a higher risk of arterial and venous thrombosis. This abnormal thrombotic diathesis can lead to pulmonary embolism, stroke, and intracardiac thrombosis.

Case summary

We present two cases of unusual intracardiac thrombosis in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. In both cases, imaging tests (such as transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), computed tomography scan of the chest, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging) showed evidence of unusual intracardiac thrombosis with thrombi adherent to regularly contracting walls.

Discussion

This evidence confirms that COVID-19 induces a hypercoagulable state which can result in intracardiac thrombosis. Therefore, TTE is indicated in all COVID-19 patients for early diagnosis, and prompt anticoagulant therapy is to be considered as a thromboprophylaxis strategy.

Contributors

Giuliana Cimino
Giuliana Cimino

Author

G. F. Ingrassia Hospital Palermo , Italy

Marco Metra
Marco Metra

Author

IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute Milan , Italy

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