Dermatologic Manifestation of Acro-Ischemia Associated With COVID-19

Abstract

Background: The common dermatologic manifestations seen in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) include mor-billiform, pernio-like, urticarial, macular erythematous, vesicular, and papulosquamous disorders, as well as retiform purpura. Although cases of acro-ischemia have been demonstrated, they are not well studied or reported. Case Report: A 73-year-old male was admitted for acute hypoxic respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19 infection. During the patient’s hospital course, his oxygen requirement progressively increased, and he developed painful, violaceous purpura on his right lower extremity digits. The patient was treated with therapeutic doses of enoxaparin and nitroglycerin ointment in the hospital and apixaban on discharge. The patient was lost to follow-up. Conclusion: The multiorgan dysfunction associated with COVID-19 includes dermatologic manifestations. This case illustrates that acro-ischemia can resolve with guideline-based medical treatment.