Pulmonary thromboembolism in a pregnant patient with severe COVID19: A novel case report and review of literature

Abstract

Introduction: The novel coronavirus has been shown to infect many bodily organs. Recent studies have suggested that the virus may be capable of causing inappropriate thrombosis formation. In the present case study, we present a pregnant patient who had severe pneumonia caused by the virus; and subsequently developed pulmonary thromboembolism. Case Presentation: A 39-year-old primi-gravid pregnant woman presented to the emergency department with moderate to severe respiratory symptoms and tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The patient was hospitalized and received routine treatment. The patient had a rapid deterioration of clinical signs and symptoms, coupled with sensations of palpitations and chest discomfort. The patient had an echocardiogram, which was suggestive of right ventricular strain. D-dimer tested positive, and the patient had a CT angiography, showing filling defects in branches of the pulmonary arteries. Conclusions: Pulmonary thromboembolism may be a complicating factor in patients with severe viral pneumonia. In patients with underlying procoagulant conditions, such as pregnancy, the occurrence of Pulmonary Thromboembolism (PTE) should be strongly considered.