Increased reliability of CT-imaging signs of bleeding into soft tissue in patients with COVID-19 for planning transarterial embolization.

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous bleeding into the soft tissues of the abdominal and thoracic wall is described as complication of anticoagulant therapy. Computed tomography (CT) allows to detect the presence of extravasation of the contrast agent into a hematoma, which is indicated as a sign of ongoing bleeding. Other specific CT signs of such coagulopathic bleeding have been described earlier. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the significance of specific coagulopathic CT signs for predicting the dynamics of spontaneous bleeding into soft tissues in patients with COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study included 60 patients with COVID-19 with spontaneous bleeding into soft tissues and extravasation of a contrast agent on CT. In addition to extravasation, a "hematocrit effect" was detected in 43 patients on CT. Of these, 39 had extravasation in the form of a "signal flare." All patients underwent transarterial catheter angiography (TCA). To assess the prognostic value of CT signs, the results of CT and TCA compared. The absence of extravasation on the TCA more often corresponded to stopped bleeding. RESULTS: Extravasation on TCA found in 27 (45%) patients. The presence of the "hematocrit effect" or the combination of this sign with the phenomenon of a "signal flare" on CT (n = 43) led to more frequent confirmation of extravasation on TCA than in their absence (n = 17): 23.5% vs. 53.4% (p = 0.028). CONCLUSION: The presence of a fluid level and the phenomenon of a "signal flare" on CT in the structure of spontaneous hematomas of the soft tissues of the abdominal and thoracic wall in COVID-19 patients more often corresponded to ongoing bleeding on the TCA. The absence of coagulopathic CT signs more often corresponded to stopped bleeding.

[Computed tomography and endovascular occlusion in diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous bleeding into soft tissues of abdominal, chest wall and retroperitoneal space in patients with COVID-19]. / Komp'yuternaya tomografiya i rentgenendovaskulyarnaya okklyuziya v diagnostike i lechenii spontannykh krovotechenii v myagkie tkani bryushnoi, grudnoi stenok i zabryushinnogo prostranstva u bol'nykh COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the results of therapeutic and prophylactic endovascular hemostasis of spontaneous bleeding into soft tissues of abdominal, chest wall and retroperitoneal space in patients with COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 35 patients with COVID-19 complicated by spontaneous bleeding into soft tissues of abdominal, chest wall and retroperitoneal space. According to CT data, the volume of hematoma was 1193.4±706.1 ml. In all patients, CT signs of ongoing bleeding were detected. Moreover, contrast agent extravasation in all phases of examination was established in 15 patients. In other ones, extravasation was detected in late phases or study phase was not identified. All patients underwent angiography. Ongoing bleeding was detected in 12 (34.3%) patients (group 1). They underwent embolization of the target vessel. In 23 patients, bleeding was not established during angiography. Of these, 13 ones underwent prophylactic embolization (group 2). No embolization was carried out in 10 patients (group 3). All groups differed in hematoma localization and COVID-19 severity. RESULTS: Fourteen (40%) patients died in postoperative period. Mortality was similar in all groups. The most common cause of death was progressive respiratory failure following pneumonia. The last one was established by autopsy in 10 (71.4%) patients. CONCLUSION: Angiography confirmed MR signs of contrast agent extravasation in 34.3% of patients. In case of extravasation in all CT phases, ongoing bleeding was confirmed in 66.7% of patients. Endovascular embolization is effective for arterial bleeding into soft tissues. However, large-scale studies are needed to assess the effect of this technique on survival.

Severe Retroperitoneal Hemorrhage in a COVID-19 Patient on a Therapeutic Dose of Low Molecular Weight Heparin: A Case Report.

Extensive drug treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) includes low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). At therapeutic doses of LMWH, there is an increased risk of bleeding complications. Spontaneous, non-traumatic bleeding into the retroperitoneum is a life-threatening condition that can progress very rapidly. We describe a complication of COVID-19 bronchopneumonia treatment in which a patient developed a shock condition caused by non-traumatic bleeding into the retroperitoneum and abdominal wall due to LMWH overdose. The patient was operated on under difficult conditions - in biosafety level 3 (BSL-3). This case is exceptionally fascinating and informative. Nowadays, it is essential to point out possible complications associated with the treatment of COVID-19. Based on this report, we emphasize the need for careful LMWH dosing and quick and accurate diagnosis. Surgeons should maintain a higher index of suspicion for spontaneous bleeding in non-specific abdominal pain patients with COVID-19 or patients receiving therapeutic doses of LMWH.

Management of Spontaneous Bleeding in COVID-19 Inpatients: Is Embolization Always Needed?

BACKGROUND: critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection present a hypercoagulable condition. Anticoagulant therapy is currently recommended to reduce thrombotic risk, leading to potentially severe complications like spontaneous bleeding (SB). Percutaneous transcatheter arterial embolization (PTAE) can be life-saving in critical patients, in addition to medical therapy. We report a major COVID-19 Italian Research Hospital experience during the pandemic, with particular focus on indications and technique of embolization. METHODS: We retrospectively included all subjects with SB and with a microbiologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, over one year of pandemic, selecting two different groups: (a) patients treated with PTAE and medical therapy; (b) patients treated only with medical therapy. Computed tomography (CT) scan findings, clinical conditions, and biological findings were collected. RESULTS: 21/1075 patients presented soft tissue SB with an incidence of 1.95%. 10/21 patients were treated with PTAE and medical therapy with a 30-days survival of 70%. Arterial blush, contrast late enhancement, and dimensions at CT scan were found discriminating for the embolization (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PTAE is an important tool in severely ill, bleeding COVID-19 patients. The decision for PTAE of COVID-19 patients must be carefully weighted with particular attention paid to the clinical and biological condition, hematoma location and volume.