Year: 2021
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The recent discovery of SARS-CoV-2 and the disease COVID-19 which affects different organs and systems, mainly the respiratory one, representing a new challenge for physicians. Pancreatic affection is barely described, with only a few cases reported in the literature. OBJECTIVE: to communicate a case of acute pancreatitis associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, to contribute to the knowledge of this new virus and its possible forms of presentation. CLINICAL CASE: An eleven-year-old male adolescent, with no history of contact with people confirmed or suspected of COVID-19, was admitted to the hospital with a 3-day history of periumbilical and epigastric abdominal pain, vomiting, and absence of stools, with no other symptoms. The laboratory tests showed increased pancreatic enzymes. Com puted tomography was compatible with acute edematous pancreatitis, without signs of biliary patho logy, diagnosing acute pancreatitis, at the same time that SARS-CoV-2 was isolated in the respiratory tract. Other possible differential diagnoses and history of epidemiological contact were ruled out. The patient was managed in the Critical Patient Unit with support measures. He evolved favorably, without respiratory symptoms. CONCLUSION: SARS-CoV-2 infection can be associated with atypical presentations, including acute pancreatitis. The physiopathological mechanism of pancreatic damage is not yet clear. Physicians should be aware of the COVID-19 involvement of other systems, beyond the respiratory one.
Source: Andes pediatrica
Authors: Sofia De la Barra, Giannina Izquierdo, María Carolina Rivacoba, Gabriela Román, Cecilia Piñera
Institutions: University of Chile, Hospital Dr. Exequiel González Cortés
Language: Spanish
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W3202995998