COVID-19 Infection: A Sparked Ignition to a Thrombotic Storm

ABSTRACT

Thrombotic storm (TS) is a rare yet life-threatening condition that requires aggressive thrombolytic or anticoagulant therapy. Clinical manifestation of TS can be disastrous as it amplifies thrombotic pathways causing widespread organ ischemia. We present a patient who developed TS following a COVID-19 infection. He was simultaneously diagnosed with an ST-elevation myocardial infarction, multiple pulmonary emboli, aortic thrombi, and bilateral limb ischemia. Further workup was positive for a spindle cell neoplasm, which combined with the prothrombotic nature of COVID-19 infection likely produced an exaggerated response leading to a diffuse thrombotic event. Through this case, we would like to highlight the importance of having a collective field of expertise in making the most appropriate medical decision under critical situations.