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Colonic Gangrene: A Sequela of Coronavirus Disease 2019
Rahul Varshney1, Nalini Bansal2, Archana Khanduri3
1Anesthesia and Critical Care, Synergy Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun, IND.
Abstract:
Initially considered to be a respiratory disease, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is now recognized as a multisystem disease known to affect all the major organs, including the gastrointestinal system. Based on recent studies, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 causes dysregulation of multiple biological pathways, triggers an exaggerated immune response, and affects multiple organs. The gastrointestinal symptoms in COVID-19 are common but often overlooked. We report the case of a 50-year-old female with a recent history of COVID-19 presenting with complaints of abdominal pain and constipation. Initially, the patient was treated for respiratory symptoms and discharged home. Subsequently, she was re-admitted and diagnosed with colonic obstruction on radiology. Laparotomy revealed descending and sigmoid colonic gangrene requiring left colectomy. This case highlights the uncommon but severe gastrointestinal manifestations of COVID-19.
Insights
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause severe gastrointestinal issues, not just respiratory problems. This case study details a patient experiencing colonic obstruction and gangrene following a COVID-19 infection.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), initially viewed as a respiratory illness, is now understood as a multisystem disease affecting various organs.
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can disrupt biological pathways, provoke intense immune responses, and impact multiple organ systems.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms are frequently observed in COVID-19 patients but are often underdiagnosed or overlooked.
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