Early catheter-directed thrombolysis without bowel resection in acute mesenteric ischaemia for a symptomatic COVID-19 patient

Abstract

Newer evidence states that COVID-19 pneumonia induces a hypercoagulable state leading to vascular and microvascular thrombotic events. Acute mesenteric ischaemia (AMI) is a potentially fatal vascular emergency with overall mortality of 60%–80%. However, till date, only a few cases of superior mesenteric artery thrombosis in COVID-19 positive patients are reported and most have succumbed to COVID-19 or mesenteric ischemia. Physicians treating COVID-19 usually treat respiratory symptoms and may completely overlook any other uncommon pathology. This case report emphasizes that a patient with early detection and management of acute mesenteric ischaemia being symptomatic for COVID-19 can avoid major bowel surgery and negates any morbidity or mortality associated with the same.