Screening for venous thromboembolism in COVID-19 patients on the intensive care unit

Thromboembolic complications are frequently encountered in patients with severe COVID-19 disease in the intensive care unit (ICU). We assessed the prevalence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in critically ill COVID-19 patients treated with dexamethasone and intensified thrombosis prophylaxis. To detect VTE, venous duplex ultrasonography was performed on day one and six of ICU admission, in addition to thoracic computed tomography angiography at ICU admission. Data from 57 consecutive patients were analysed and in 24 (42%) patients we detected a VTE. D-dimer levels were not useful to distinguish between patients with or without VTE; however, highly elevated D-dimer may indicate the presence of VTE. We report a high prevalence of VTE in critically ill COVID-19 patients despite intensified thrombosis prophylaxis and dexamethasone.