Intussusception in an infant as a manifestation of COVID-19

Zorays Moazzam1, Areej Salim2, Alina Ashraf1

  • 1Medical College, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.

Insights

Gastrointestinal issues from COVID-19 are uncommon. This report details the first infant survival with intussusception, a serious bowel obstruction, as a primary symptom of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are rare in COVID-19, typically presenting as diarrhea or vomiting.
  • Intussusception, a critical bowel obstruction, is common in infants, often following viral infections.

Observation:

  • A rare case of intussusception in an infant with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19) is presented.
  • This infant experienced intussusception as the primary manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Findings:

  • This is the first documented case of survival in a SARS-CoV-2 positive infant with intussusception.
  • The successful management highlights the possibility of severe GI presentations in pediatric COVID-19.

Implications:

  • Surgeons should maintain a high index of suspicion for GI manifestations, including intussusception, in infants with SARS-CoV-2.
  • This case expands the understanding of potential pediatric COVID-19 presentations and emphasizes the need for vigilance in diagnosing rare complications.

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:28

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
315
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
297
Appendicitis-I: Introduction01:22

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
1.6K
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction01:30

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
437
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction01:22

Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction

Esophageal perforation is a severe medical condition characterized by a breach in the integrity of the esophageal wall. This breach can occur due to various factors such as trauma, medical procedures, or underlying diseases. When the esophageal wall is compromised, it allows food, fluids, and digestive juices into the chest cavity or adjacent structures, leading to potential complications and health risks.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus....
293
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:21

Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
562