Elevated D-Dimer and acute pulmonary embolism in COVID-19 patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.19230/jonnpr.3960Keywords:
COVID-19, embolism, CT scan, D-dimer, radiologyAbstract
Introduction. It has been determined that patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe pneumonia with elevated D-dimer values can develop acute pulmonary thromboembolism (APE) as a complication, being one of the causes related to mortality in this group of patients.
Methods. A retrospective analysis of 12 patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection with high clinical suspicion of APE confirmed by computed tomography pulmonary angiopgraphy (CTPA) was performed and the described findings are described.
Results. 12 patients with diagnosis of severe pneumonia, elevated D-dimer 9.2 ?g / ml (1.4 - ?20 ?g / mL) and confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 infection through real-time reverse transcription polymerasa chain reaction (RT- PCR). APEs were observed mainly in segmental arteries (75%) and main arteries (25%). Pneumonia with patched areas of bilateral ground glass opacities was observed in 100% of the sample as a typical finding of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Conclusion. SARS-CoV-2 infection is related to elevation of D-dimer and APE. The CTPA determines the diagnosis, severity and timely management (anticoagulation) of patients with APE. Therefore CTPA should be considered in all patients with elevated D-dimer or clinical worsening.
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