Association between Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Severe Acute Pancreatitis in Pregnancy and Postpartum

SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) affects the respiratory system but is not limited to it. The gastrointestinal symptoms are polymorphic, including diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and even acute pancreatitis (AP). Pregnant women are more vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection and have a higher risk of severe outcomes of COVID-19.

We present a case report of a 31-year-old primigravid patient at 30 weeks of gestation, unvaccinated, with a medical history of thrombophilia, chronic nephropathy of unknown origin, hypertension, and optic neuropathy with left eye hemianopsia. She was diagnosed with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 and respiratory failure, with indication for cesarean section. Postpartum, she developed severe acute pancreatitis, complicated by peripancreatic and supradiaphragmatic abscesses. After 3 months of hospitalization and eight surgical interventions, the patient was discharged. A short mini-review of the literature is introduced.

Pregnant women with cardiovascular comorbidities are prone to severe complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Clinicians should be aware of the association of SARS-CoV-2 and AP in pregnant women.