Surgical thrombectomy versus conservative treatment in cases of acute limb ischemia with COVID-19 pneumonia

Abstract

COVID-19 infection is a major cause for acute respiratory distress syndrome, multi-organ dysfunction, coagulopathy, and intravascular thrombosis; therefore, it is the main causative factor for acute limb ischemia. Aim. To compare the treatment outcome of two limb ischemic groups post COVID-19 infection in a single center and detect at least which is better for the patients in the period of COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods. Here, in this study, we collect 26 patients and divided them into two groups, G1 (14) patients treated conservatively and G2 (12) patients treated with surgical thrombectomy. Data were analyzed to look for the outcome of groups after 24 hours and 30 days. Results. The successful rate of conservative treatment was 85,72% in G1, while it was 75% in G2. There were two amputations below the knee joint in each group. Three patients died in both groups. Conclusion. In conclusion, both conservative treatment and surgical thrombectomy have a comparable successful rate in the selected group of COVID-19 patients.