COVID-19 #StayAtHome Restrictions and Deep Vein Thrombosis: Case Report

Blum, Edna; Abdelwahed, Youssef S; Spiess, Eileen; Mueller-Werdan, Ursula; Leistner, David M; Rosada, Adrian

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic triggered countermeasures like #StayAtHome initiatives, which have changed the whole world. Despite the success of such initiatives in limiting the spread of COVID-19 to #FlattenTheCurve, physicians are now confronted with the adverse effects of the current restrictive pandemic management strategies and social distancing measures. OBJECTIVE: We aim to draw attention to the particular importance and magnitude of what may be the adverse effects of COVID-19–related policies. METHODS: We herein report a case of an otherwise healthy 84-year-old woman with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to COVID-19–related directives. #StayAtHome policies and consequential social isolation have diminished our patient’s social life and reduced her healthy movement behaviors. The patient spent long hours in a seated position while focusing on the intensive flow of media information regarding the pandemic. RESULTS: Reduced mobility due to preventive social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic was the only identified cause of the DVT. CONCLUSIONS: While evaluating the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and governmentally implemented containment measures, including social isolation and mobility reduction, adverse events should be considered. Digital approaches might play a crucial role in supporting public health.