Abdominal Computed Tomography Angiography and Venography in Evaluation of Hemorrhagic and Thrombotic lesions in Hospitalized COVID-19 patients

Highlights

• Hemorrhagic complications were detected in 19 patients (47.5%), it involved the iliopsoas compartment and the rectus sheath.

• Thromboembolic events were diagnosed in 8 patients (20%).

• Our study highlights that both hemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications can be seen in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Abstract

Purpose

To report imaging findings at computed tomography angiography (CTA) and venography (CTV) of the abdomen and pelvis in evaluation of hemorrhagic and thrombotic lesions in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, patients admitted to a single tertiary care center from April 1 to July 20, 2020, who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and developed acute abdominal pain or decreasing hemoglobin levels over the course of hospitalization were included. Abdominal CTA/CTV imaging studies performed in these patients were reviewed, and acute hemorrhagic or thromboembolic findings were recorded.

Results

A total of 40 patients (mean age, 59.7 years; 20 men, 20 women) were evaluated. Twenty-five patients (62.5%) required intensive care unit (ICU) admission and 15 patients (37.5%) were treated in the medical ward. Hemorrhagic complications were detected in 19 patients (47.5%), the most common was intramuscular hematoma diagnosed in 17 patients; It involved the iliopsoas compartment unilaterally in 10 patients, bilaterally in 2 patients and the rectus sheath in 5 cases. Pelvic extraperitoneal hemorrhage was found in 3 patients, and mesenteric hematoma in one patient. Thromboembolic events were diagnosed in 8 patients (20%) including; arterial thrombosis (n = 2), venous thrombosis (n = 2), splenic infarct (n = 1), bowel ischemia (n = 1) and multiple sites of thromboembolism (n = 2).

Conclusion

Our study highlights that both hemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications can be seen in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. It is important that radiologists maintain a high index of suspicion for early diagnosis of these complications.