Abstract
Objectives: Post-acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a well-recognized complication of COVID-19, driven by persistent endothelial dysfunction and thromboinflammation. Identifying simple clinical predictors of VTE may optimize therapy and limit adverse outcomes. We propose a pragmatic risk-stratification approach, based on clinical and echocardiographic parameters. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in a Romanian tertiary hospital (March 2020-April 2022) in 54 adults with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 and imaging-confirmed VTE. Demographics, comorbidities, laboratory markers, and echocardiographic variables-particularly tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO(2)), and left-ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD)-were collected. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients receiving systemic thrombolysis. Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney U tests, chi-square, Spearman correlations, and multivariable logistic regression. Results: The mean age was 61.2 ± 14.7 years, and 63% were men. Eleven patients (20.4%) underwent thrombolysis. Compared with conservatively managed patients, those receiving thrombolysis had lower TAPSE (13.0 vs. 20.8 mm), lower SpO(2) (90.1 vs. 97.0%), and smaller LVEDD (24.4 vs. 46.1 mm); all differences were statistically significant. Each 1 mm decrease in TAPSE and 1% decrease in SpO(2) increased the likelihood of thrombolysis (adjusted odds ratios 1.58 and 1.34, respectively). Inflammatory markers and right-ventricular diameter were not associated with treatment. Conclusions: Reduced TAPSE, lower SpO(2), and decreased LVEDD identify post-COVID VTE patients at elevated risk of hemodynamic compromise requiring thrombolysis. A point-of-care assessment incorporating these variables may improve early risk stratification and guide therapeutic decisions.