COVID-19 Associated Aortic Thrombosis Mimicking Transverse Myelitis

ABSTRACT

Objective: NA Background: COVID-19 associated thromboembolism has attained considerable interest in recent times. However, most studies focus on venous and pulmonary embolism only. We present a case of COVID-19 associated massive aortic thrombosis which presented as paraparesis mimicking transverse myelitis. Design/Methods: NA Results: This is a case of 42-year-old female presented with acute onset paraparesis with paraesthesia and back pain. She was provisionally diagnosed as a case of acute transverse myelitis. During evaluation she developed fever with respiratory distress. Her COVID RTPCR came positive, along with HRCT thorax showing evidence of viral pneumonia with severity score 13/25. She was shifted to COVID-19 facility and managed as per standard protocol. After stabilization, a repeat examination revealed discoloration in left lower limb which was also cold to touch. CT angiography revealed a massive thrombus in distal abdominal aorta extending up to left common iliac artery, while MRI Spine was normal. Patient was transferred to vascular surgery department for further management. To best of our knowledge this is first case reporting arterial thrombosis mimicking myelitis in COVID-19. Conclusions: To conclude, COVID-19 patients are susceptible to thrombosis and aortic thrombosis can mimic transverse myelitis in presentation.