Catastrophic Thromboembolic Syndrome During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Since March 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 virus known to cause COVID-19 has presented in many ways and it seems to affect almost all organ systems. One of its detrimental effects is on the coagulation system. Disruption of the coagulation pathway or hypercoagulability has been reported extensively in many articles and studies. It seems there is no specific pattern or location of the coagulopathy. The coagulopathy can present as part of the respiratory disease process or as an isolated phenomenon. Many articles had reported that the thrombus can be a venous thromboembolic phenomenon such as deep venous thrombosis (DVT), portal vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism (PE), or as arterial thrombosis, for instance, coronary artery thrombosis, cerebrovascular thromboembolic disease (i.e., stroke), or an aortic thrombus. One of the disastrous presentations is what is called “catastrophic thrombosis syndrome.” This syndrome is characterized by multiple thromboses that take place in different parts of the vascular system at different parts of the body at the same time. In many studies, D-dimer levels have been shown to predict the risk of increased thromboembolism in SARS-CoV-2. However, an appropriate anticoagulation agent, dosage, and duration are yet to be determined. We are presenting an interesting case of a female who suffered catastrophic thrombosis syndrome despite being on prophylactic anticoagulation. She presented with leg pain and was found to have extensive multiple thrombi starting from the ascending/descending aorta and extending to the distal peroneal arteries.