Lessons of the month 3: ST-elevation myocardial infarction and left ventricular thrombus formation: an arterial thrombotic complication of severe COVID-19 infection

Abstract

We describe a case of an 82-year-old man who developed an anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and left ventricular thrombus while an inpatient following a diagnosis of severe COVID-19 infection (SARS-CoV-2). His D-dimer was significantly elevated at 12,525 ng/mL (normal range <243). He unfortunately died despite management with thrombolysis, warfarin and non-invasive ventilation. This case provides an example of a likely arterial thrombotic complication of severe COVID-19 infection. Clinicians should be aware of this possibility in such patients, with a severely prothrombotic state as a possible underlying aetiology. Further research is required to establish any causative link, pathophysiological mechanisms and whether modification to existing venous thromboembolism prophylaxis strategies may also reduce arterial thrombotic complications of severe COVID-19 infection.