Endoscopic Findings in Patients Infected With 2019 Novel Coronavirus in Lombardy, Italy

Sara Massironi1, Chiara Viganò1, Lorenzo Dioscoridi2

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology and Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, and European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza.

Insights

This study details gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopic and histologic findings in patients with COVID-19, highlighting the need for more research into the virus

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a global pandemic.
  • While respiratory symptoms are well-documented, the gastrointestinal (GI) impact is less understood.
  • Existing data on digestive symptom prevalence in COVID-19 varies widely (3-79%), with a lack of endoscopic and histologic findings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and describe the gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopic and histologic findings in patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

Main Methods:

  • The study focused on analyzing GI endoscopic and histologic data from COVID-19 patients.
  • Specific details on patient selection and the exact procedures performed are described within the full study.

Main Results:

  • The study presents findings from GI endoscopy and histology in COVID-19 patients.
  • Detailed results regarding specific endoscopic observations and histological changes are provided.

Conclusions:

  • The findings contribute to a clearer understanding of the gastrointestinal manifestations of COVID-19.
  • Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the GI impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Related Concept Videos

Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy01:30

Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy

Endoscopy is a non-surgical medical technique used to examine a person's internal organs and vessels. This lesson will focus on two types of endoscopic studies: bronchoscopy and thoracoscopy.
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due...
407
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis01:26

Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis

Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
1.1K
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy01:26

Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy

Sigmoidoscopy and laparoscopy are distinct medical procedures that enable physicians to internally inspect different parts of the GI tract. Although they serve different purposes, each is essential for diagnosing and, in some cases, treating various medical conditions.
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
397
Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP01:26

Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a diagnostic procedure that combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat conditions related to the bile ducts, pancreatic ducts, and gallbladder. This procedure is beneficial for identifying and addressing blockages, gallstones, strictures, and tumors within the biliary or pancreatic systems. ERCP is both diagnostic and therapeutic, offering the ability to visualize and treat identified problems in one session.
Patient...
2.0K
Endoscopic Procedures III: Video Capsule Endoscopy01:28

Endoscopic Procedures III: Video Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy, or wireless or video capsule endoscopy, is a diagnostic procedure for examining the entire gastrointestinal tract. Patients swallow a capsule about the size of a vitamin tablet. The capsule is equipped with a transmitter, a battery, an LED light source, and a color video camera to capture images throughout the gastrointestinal tract. This procedure is particularly useful for diagnosing conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, tumors, polyps, ulcers,...
551