[Epistaxis after testing for COVID-19]

Abstract

Background: Testing for airway microbes has increased during the current COVID-19 pandemic. This case report demonstrates that testing can lead to complications.

Case presentation: A man in his seventies was transferred to our hospital for coronary angiography. On admission he underwent testing with nasopharyngeal swab for COVID-19. He started bleeding profusely from the nostril insertion site. The haemorrhage was controlled by bilateral anterior and posterior balloon tamponade, the coronary angiography was postponed, he was given a transfusion of packed red blood cells and had to spend a total of nine days in hospital.

Interpretation: The World Health Organization recommends screening of all patients for COVID-19 upon admission to hospital. The risk of every procedure must be carefully considered in relation to the benefits, especially when large numbers of patients are affected. For our patient, the likelihood of COVID-19 infection was low, and the risk of complications was high.