Description
COVID-19 has been linked to an increased risk of blood clots, with some patients developing abnormal clots in various parts of the body, including small blood vessels. These clots can lead to serious complications such as organ damage, heart attacks, and strokes. Since late 2021, medical professionals have observed a rise in unusual, fibrous blood clots in patients undergoing various procedures. These clots are characterized by their tough texture, extraordinary length (up to two feet), and resistance to standard treatments.
A proposed mechanism for the formation of these unusual clots involves the vasa vasorum, the network of small blood vessels that supply oxygen to the walls of larger blood vessels. Inflammation and damage to the vasa vasorum may expose underlying tissues, triggering an extensive clotting process. This process could result in the growth and extension of clots along the length of blood vessels, forming the large, fibrous structures observed by medical professionals. This mechanism potentially explains the unique characteristics of these clots, including their size, texture, and resistance to conventional treatments.
