A Case Series of Life-Threatening Hemorrhagic Events in Patients with COVID-19

Abstract

Since venous microthrombotic and thromboembolic events in end organs have been pathophysiologically confirmed as a component of thrombo-inflammatory cascade in COVID-19 syndrome, anticoagulant prescription with prophylactic or therapeutic goal is recommended. Different guidelines for the above are introduced; however, there is no general consensus on any neither the type of anticoagulant nor for the dosage and duration of prescription. In our medical center, adopted internal guideline was considered for patients COVID-19. We consulted patients with COVID-19 who suffered from concurrent hematoma. Appropriate surgical approach was considered. Finally autopsy study was performed for patients. In this article, we presented a series of seven SARS-CoV-2 confirmed cases faced with bleeding complication following initiation of anticoagulation protocol. The rectus sheath hematoma with extension to pelvic and/or retroperitoneal space, even involving bowel mesentery was seen most commonly. Despite receiving appropriate surgical care, all seven cases died. Finally, in all cases, autopsy studies revealed no evidence for confirmation of DIC/SIC or organ failure as the reason of death although pulmonary involvement with SARS-CoV-2 and bleeding phenomena were approved. The nature of the COVID-19 syndrome makes patients vulnerable to hemorrhagic events following anticoagulant administration which relatively causes or accelerates patient’s expiration.