Alpha-Fetoprotein-Producing Gastric Cancer With Delayed Diagnosis Caused by COVID-19: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases
• Oncology

Background:

• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can present with diverse symptoms, including gastrointestinal manifestations.
• Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a critical condition requiring prompt diagnosis and management.
• Alpha-fetoprotein-producing gastric cancer is a rare but aggressive malignancy.

Observation:

• A 70-year-old male diagnosed with COVID-19 developed suspected upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
• An urgent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was performed under mobility restrictions within a hospital room.
• Hemostatic treatment for bleeding was successful, but the confined environment hindered thorough examination.

Findings:

• The patient was subsequently diagnosed with alpha-fetoprotein-producing gastric cancer.
• Limited endoscopic examination due to COVID-19 countermeasures may have impacted the diagnostic process.
• The patient succumbed to the disease approximately three months post-diagnosis.

Implications:

• COVID-19 countermeasures, such as mobility restrictions, can pose challenges in managing emergent gastrointestinal conditions.
• The case underscores the importance of adapting diagnostic procedures in pandemic settings without compromising patient care.
• Timely and comprehensive evaluation is crucial for diagnosing rare cancers like alpha-fetoprotein-producing gastric cancer, even amidst infectious disease outbreaks.