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Affiliation(s)

Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 05403-010, Brasil
Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Laboratory, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Concepcion, 8370035, Chile
Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 05403-000, Brasil

ABSTRACT

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19, is characterized by an increased risk of thromboembolic events. However, more than 80% of patients are asymptomatic or have only minor/mild symptoms. In addition, diagnosing thromboembolism in athletes is challenging, as symptoms can be confused with musculoskeletal complaints or physical deconditioning. Case presentation: Here we report the case of a previously healthy 34-year-old professional soccer player with COVID-19 infection and genetic predisposition to thrombosis. At baseline, he was fit, had no symptoms, did not require hospital admission due to a COVID-19 infection, and was started on a five-day course of azithromycin and dexamethasone therapy. After 10 days of returning to professional activity, he developed pulmonary embolism following a COVID-19 infection during a physical exercise session. Angiotomography showed positive acute and subacute pulmonary thromboembolism, being treated with rivaroxaban 20 mg/day continuously. The shared decision-making between the medical team and the athlete was not to return to professional soccer, given the quantifiable risk. Considerations: This case illustrates the potential risk of COVID-19-induced pulmonary thromboembolism, which can be affected by genetic predisposition and dexamethasone therapy or the consequences of COVID-19. In this clinical period, the athlete’s condition may be overlooked due to the masking effects of other clinical conditions and physical abnormalities. The residual effects of COVID-19 disease can appear late, requiring caution and follow-up by the medical team before releasing the athlete into a training program.

KEYWORDS

COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, pulmonary embolism, anticoagulation, athlete

Cite this paper

Journal of Sports Science 9 (2023) 1-6

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