Myocardial infarction following COVID-19 vaccine administration; a systematic review.

Introduction: Covid-19 vaccines have been assessed in randomized trials, which are designed to establish efficacy and safety, but are insufficient in power to detect rare adverse outcomes. Among the adverse cardiac events associated with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are inflammations (e.g., pericarditis or myocarditis), thrombosis, and ischemia. Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate the reported cases of myocardial infarction (MI) after COVID-19 vaccinations. Method: Web of Science, MEDLINE on OVID, PubMed, and Google Scholar were searched for English-language papers published until March 25, 2022. Results: This study included 15 papers (10 case reports and 5 case series). In total, 20 individuals were included who had received COVID-19 vaccines and experienced MI. Males (55%) reported more adverse occurrences than females (45%) across the majority of event categories. The mean time from the administration of the vaccine to the onset of symptoms was 2 days (0-10 days). The AstraZeneca vaccine was responsible for more than half of the reported events. In the majority of cases, the event developed after receiving the first dose of vaccination. Conclusion: MI related to COVID19 vaccination is a rare, but serious and life-threatening condition. Chest discomfort should be regarded as a warning sign, particularly in people who have been administered a dose of the vaccine within the previous two days.

Accelerated heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in a COVID-19 patient; a case report with literature review.

Introduction: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a rare and serious immune-mediated complication of heparin therapy which is seldom reported in association with COVID-19. This report aims to present a case of accelerated HIT in a severe COVID-19 patient. Case report: A 63-year-old man presents with symptoms of COVID-19 for one week. He was conscious, ordinated, feverish, and had diffused chest crackles. Initial laboratory tests revealed elevated C-reactive protein of 87.66 mg/dL, elevated D-dimmer of 1258.9 ng/ml, elevated ferritin of 1020 ng/ml, and his platelet count was within the normal range. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the diagnosis of COVID-19. On the 9th day of admission, he developed a progressive worsening of dyspnea. His D-dimmer level significantly increased to 7020 ng/ml, and his interleukin-6 was 27.3 pg/ml. Hence, we started him on unfractionated heparin (UFH) for thromboprophylaxis. On the 12th day of hospitalization, the platelet count dropped from 258000 to 111000 cells/µL. He had a high probability of HIT (4Ts score = 6). As a result, we discontinued UFH and switched him to apixaban. His platelet count normalized (174000 cells/µL) within two weeks of ceasing UHF. Discussion: HIT results from the production of antibodies against platelet factor 4/heparin complexes. It is associated with a diminished platelet count within 5-10 days post heparin initiation. Because thrombocytopenia can occur in COVID-19 patients, HIT is seldom suspected. Conclusion: HIT should be considered a differential diagnosis in COVID-19 patients with thrombocytopenia.

COVID-19 associated with pulmonary mucormycosis; a case series.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has evolved as a result of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2). With the rise of cases worldwide, plenty of potential COVID-19 complications have emerged, including increased susceptibility to subsequent bacterial and fungal infections. This study aims to report four cases of COVID-19 associated with pulmonary mucormycosis. Method: This is a multi-center case series study. Diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Result: A total of 4 patients infected with SARS-CoV2 were involved in this study. The majority of the cases were female, aged >42 years old. All patients developed severe symptoms. All of the patients had received steroids, half of them had co-morbidities. The most common computerized tomography (CT) scan findings were pulmonary cavitation and empyema. All of the cases were treated with a combination of surgery and antifungal treatment. Conclusion: As the number of COVID-19 cases rises, enhanced surveillance for co-infections with unusual pathogens should be continued. Clinicians should raise awareness of these deadly infections, which can further aggravate severe COVID-19.

The relationship between CT severity infections and oxygen saturation in patients infected with COVID-19, a cohort study.

Introduction: Thin-section chest computed tomography is an important diagnostic test and utilized to determine the severity of lung involvement in COVID-19 pneumonia. The goal of this study is to examine the relationship between CT severity and the oxygen saturation level of individuals with COVID-19. Method: This is a single-center retrospective study of COVID-19 patients that were admitted at a COVID-19 hospital. Patients confirming COVID-19 with PCR testing, patients undergoing lung CT-scan and measures of capillary oxygen saturation using pulse oximetry at the time of admission were all included. Result: The total number of the cases were 105. The age was classified into four age groups, with the majority of them falling into the fourth to sixth decade of life (42, 40%). Diabetes was the most common comorbidity disease (29, 27.6%). Pulse oximetry showed hypoxemia in 87 (82.9%) cases. The most common CT finding was ground glass opacities (GGO) (45, 42.9%). The data showed a significant positive correlation between oxygen saturation and CT severity in patients infected with covid-19. Conclusion: These findings support the importance of using pulse oximetry to monitor COVID-19 patients in order to evaluate or even estimate their clinical situations.

Post COVID-19 neurological complications; a meta-analysis.

Introduction: Despite numerous studies regarding neurological manifestations and complications of COVID-19, only a few cases of neurological consequences following complete recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection have been described. Objectives: The current study aims to present a quantitative meta-analysis of published studies regarding the post-infectious neurological complications of COVID-19. Data sources: The Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE on OVID, and Google scholar were searched for English-language researches published after January 1, 2020. Result: The review of the literature revealed 60 cases - of which 40 (66.7%) cases were male, and 18 (30%) were female. The average age was 44.95 years. Overall, 17 (28.3%) patients had comorbid conditions. Twenty-four (40%) patients were hospitalized during an active COVID-19 infection. The average interval from the COVID-19 infection to the onset of neurological sequelae was 33.2 days. Guillain-Barre syndrome was the most commonly reported neurological condition (15, 25%). Conclusion: Despite recovery from acute infection, the pandemic highlights the significance of ongoing, comprehensive follow-up of all COVID-19 patients - even those initially were believed to be asymptomatic.

Post COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis; a meta-analysis study.

Introduction; Pulmonary fibrosis is a frequently reported COVID-19 sequela in which the exact prevalence and risk factors are yet to be established. This meta-analysis aims to investigate the prevalence of post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis (PCPF) and the potential risk factors. Methods; CINAHL, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases were searched to identify English language studies published up to December 3, 2021. Results; The systematic search initially revealed a total of 618 articles - of which only 13 studies reporting 2018 patients were included in this study. Among the patients, 1047 (51.9%) were male and 971 (48.1%) were female. The mean age was 54.5 years (15-94). The prevalence of PCPF was 44.9%. The mean age was 59 years in fibrotic patients and 48.5 years in non-fibrotic patients. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was the only comorbidity associated with PCPF. Fibrotic patients more commonly suffered from persistent symptoms of dyspnea, cough, chest pain, fatigue, and myalgia (p-value < 0.05). Factors related to COVID-19 severity that were associated with PCPF development included computed tomography score of ≥18, ICU admission, invasive/non-invasive mechanical ventilation, longer hospitalization period, and steroid, antibiotic and immunoglobulin treatments (p-value < 0.05). Parenchymal bands (284/341), ground-glass opacities (552/753), interlobular septal thickening (220/381), and consolidation (197/319) were the most common lung abnormalities found in fibrotic patients. Conclusion, About 44.9% of COVID-19 survivors appear to have developed pulmonary fibrosis. Factors related to COVID-19 severity were significantly associated with PCPF development.

Post COVID - 19 neurological disorders; a single center experience; a case series.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, is a newly conducted respiratory disease caused by infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2). The current study aims to estimate the neurological diseases which develop after COVID-19 infection. Method: This is a single center retrospective case series conducted in seven months. the patients were collected in an out-patient clinic. Diagnosis of COVID-19 and the way of diagnosis is confirmed through either polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19 and/or typical findings on chest computed tomography scan (CT scan). Patients developed neurological symptoms after being infected with COVID-19. Symptoms have to be developed within less than 6 months of recovery, or developed during illness and persisted after recovery. Result: A total number of 59 patients infected with SARS-CoV2 were included. The majority of the patients had mild symptoms 32 (54%), 12 (20%) patients developed severe symptoms. Headache was the most common presenting symptom 27(46%) followed by fatigue in 8 (13.5%). The majority of the patients 55 (91.6%) presented with no focal signs. MRI was done for 27 (46%) patients without abnormal finding in 22 cases. Nearly 22 (37.3%) cases were diagnosed as recurrent episodes of migraine or new onset of migraine. All patients were managed according to the underlying pathology, only (28, 47.5%) patients were known to be completely recovered. Conclusion: SARS-CoV2 can invade and cause inflammation in the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is responsible for many neurological problems. More studies are necessary to analyze the long term effect of the virus on the nervous system.

Post COVID-19 pulmonary complications; a single center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Although the rate and severity of complications after coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) resolution is currently unknown, evidence regarding their presence is increasing in the literature. This study presents a series of cases with post COVID-19 short-term pulmonary complications. METHODS: This is a single center retrospective case series study. The demographic and clinical data were collected from the center's electronic records. All the included cases were confirmed COVID-19 patients who had pulmonary complications even after their recovery. RESULTS: Nineteen COVID-19 patients were involved in this study. Fourteen of them were male (73.7%) and only 5 (26.3%) cases were female, with a mean age of 52.05 years (26-77). All of the patients developed severe COVID-19 and were admitted to intensive care unit (ICU). The average infection duration was 13.5 days (10-21). The most common complaints after recovery from COVID-19 were shortness of breath, fever, and hemoptysis. Computed tomography scan showed different pulmonary abnormalities between the cases. Different surgical procedures were performed for the patients according to their conditions, such as decortications, lobectomy, and bullectomy. More than half of the patients (n = 10) recovered and were discharged from hospital without complications, five patients were admitted to the ICU, 3 cases developed mucormycosis, and one case passed away. CONCLUSION: Following the resolution of COVID-19, patients may experience severe pulmonary complications that may last for months and can affect quality of life, ICU admission, or even death.

Post COVID-19 cerebral venous sinus thrombosis; a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) in the setting of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an uncommon phenomenon with increasing incidence. This study aims to present a rare case of post COVID-19 CVST. CASE REPORT: A 58-year-old female presented with headache, nausea, left sided weakness, and slurred speech. She recently recovered from COVID-19 who had severe presentations. On examination, mild left central facial palsy, high grade left sided hemiparesis (Grade 2/5), positive Babinski on left side, left side hypoesthesia, and inability to walk were observed. Laboratory and ultrasound findings were not significant, however magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed CVST. The patient was prescribed Clexane 6000 IU twice daily, and after 14 days, it was changed to warfarin with an INR between 2 and 3. After 3 weeks of treatment, the patient was able to walk, and after 3 months her warfarin medication was discontinued. DISCUSSION: COVID-19 has been reported to be linked with CVST, however there is limited information about it. The exact figures regarding the affected groups and incidence rates are highly controversial. The diagnosis of CVST poses a challenge to physicians as their symptoms are highly unspecific, hence MRI is required for definitive diagnosis. Anticoagulant is commonly used in their treatment; however, the ideal anticoagulant of choice and the management duration are yet to be known. CONCLUSION: Active or recently resolved COVID-19 can be considered as an independent risk factor for developing CVST and it rises the mortality rate of the disease.

Post COVID-19 transverse myelitis; a case report with review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2). Recently, various complications have been reported. The aim of the current study is to report a rare case of transverse myelitis after recovering from COVID-19. CASE REPORT: A 34-year-old lady, presented with inability to walk for one day duration due to the lower limb weakness. After two weeks from the recovery of COVID-19; she developed progressive intermittent leg pain, paresthesia and weakness on both sides. Brain and cervical MRI showed evidence of a short segment inflammatory enhancing lesion at upper cervical region (at C1 level). The patient was treated conservatively. DISCUSSION: Transverse myelitis has many different causes, it occurs as an autoimmune phenomenon post-infection and vaccination, or it may result from direct infection or acquired demyelinating disease like multiple sclerosis. CONCLUSION: Although it is a sporadic finding, SARS-CoV-2 can cause transverse myelitis. The condition responds to medical therapy.

Post covid-19 invasive pulmonary Aspergillosis: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Several complications after corona viral infection-19 (COVID-19) have been reported. The study aims is to present a case with post-covid-19 pulmonary fungal infection with antifungal resistance characteristics. CASE PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old male presented with hemoptysis, dyspnea, cough, fever, and rigor for 4-month duration. Three weeks before this complaint, he had cured of COVID-19. Investigations showed multiple ill-defined cavitary lesions involving the left upper lobe. The patient underwent a left upper lobectomy. The post-operative period was uneventful. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: All studies of COVID-19 fungal infections reported occurrence during the COVID-19 infection, mostly 14 days after the appearance of COVID-19 symptoms. The case in the current study was a 50-year-old patient, who was previously diagnosed with COVID-19 for a period of 4 months. After a few days from his recovery, the patient developed dyspnea, cough, fever, and rigor again. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary aspergillosis is a serious complication of COVID-19 patients that may not respond well to medical therapy. Pulmonary resection is the last and effective strategy to control the disease.

Large vessel thrombosis in patient with COVID-19, a case series.

INTRODUCTION: Involvement of the large vessels is rarely reported and poorly understood in cases of Corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19). The aim of this study is to present a series of cases with large vessel thrombosis (LVT). METHODS: This is a multicenter prospective case series study. The participants were consecutive in order. All the patients were diagnosed as cases of COVID-19 with documented LVT were included in the study. Large vessels were defined as any vessel equal or larger than popliteal artery. The mean duration of follow up was 4 months. RESULTS: The study included 22 cases, 19 (86.4%) cases were male, 3 (13.6%) patients were females. The age ranged from 23 to 76 with a mean of 48.4 years. Four (18.2%) cases had pulmonary embolism confirmed by IV contrast enhanced chest CT scan. All of the cases showed pulmonary parenchymal ground glass opacities (GGO) and high D-Dimers (ranging from 1267 to 6038 ng/ml with a mean of 3601 ng/ml). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 is a hidden risk factor of LVT that may endanger the patient's life and lead to major amputation. Despite therapeutic anticoagulants still all COVID-19 patients are at risk for LVT, a high index of suspicion should be created and with minimal symptoms surgical consultation should be obtained.

A severe refractory COVID-19 patient responding to convalescent plasma; A case series.

INTRODUCTION: Although some medicines are under research, currently, no specific antiviral drug has been approved to target 2019 novel coronavirus. In this report two severe cases of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients have been described who received convalescent plasma (CP). CASE REPORT: Two male cases (a 46-year-old and a 56-year-old) after being diagnosed with severe COVID-19, they deteriorated despite supportive care and antiviral therapy. They started to improve with CP infusion both clinically and radiologically. Finally they were discharged in a very well condition with negative virology tests. CONCLUSION: CP might be an effective therapy for severe COVID-19 patients.