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Thromboembolic Events in COVID-19

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Cardiovascular Complications of COVID-19

Part of the book series: Contemporary Cardiology ((CONCARD))

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Abstract

Hemostatic abnormalities, increased coagulation, and fibrinolysis impairment have been reported in COVID-19 infections, which increases the risk of blood clots and embolism. Thromboembolism in patients with COVID-19 most often manifests as venous thromboembolism (VTE), and less often by arterial thromboembolism (ATE). VTE diagnosis in COVID-19 infection can be difficult due to the overlapping symptoms of COVID-19 and VTE. D-dimer elevation is often observed in patients with COVID-19 infection. It translates into an unfavorable prognosis in patients with COVID-19 even if not accompanied by VTE. The sensitivity and specificity of D-dimer in the diagnosis of VTE decline in patients with COVID-19. Thromboprophylaxis is recommended in all patients hospitalized for COVID-19. The optimal dose of thromboprophylaxis is still being researched and discussed as regards specific clinical settings. The management of COVID-19-associated VTE is essentially no different than the usual treatment of VTE, except for preference for treatment regimens based on drugs known to induce fewer interactions with other agents used for COVID-19 and requiring less frequent therapy monitoring. COVID-19-associated VTE portends worse prognosis.

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Abbreviations

ASA:

Acetylsalicylic acid

ATE:

Arterial thromboembolism

COVID-19:

Coronavirus disease 2019

CTPA:

CT pulmonary angiography

DVT:

Deep venous thrombosis

HFU:

Unfractionated heparin

ICU:

Intensive care unit

LMWH:

Low-molecular-weight heparin

PE:

Pulmonary embolism

VTE:

Venous thromboembolism

VUS:

Venous ultrasound

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Acknowledgments

The Pulmonary Hypertension Foundation supported editorial assistance of this chapter.

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  1. Department of Pulmonary Circulation, Thromboembolic Diseases and Cardiology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, European Health Center, Otwock, Poland

    Maria Wieteska-Miłek & Marcin Kurzyna

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    Maciej Banach

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Wieteska-Miłek, M., Kurzyna, M. (2022). Thromboembolic Events in COVID-19. In: Banach, M. (eds) Cardiovascular Complications of COVID-19. Contemporary Cardiology. Humana, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15478-2_12

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