COVID-19 and biomarkers of thrombosis: focus on von Willebrand factor and extracellular vesicles

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is responsible for a pandemic of unparalleled portion over the past century. While the acute phase of infection causes significant morbidity and mortality, post-acute sequelae that can affect essentially any organ system is rapidly taking on an equally large part of the overall impact on human health, quality of life, attempts to return to normalcy and the global economy. Herein, we summarize the potential role of von Willebrand Factor and extracellular vesicles toward understanding the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, duration of illness, diagnostic approach and management of COVID-19 and its sequelae.