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Extrapulmonary COVID-19 Presents As Spontaneous Small Bowel Perforation
Stephanie N Brooks1, Taylor Brown2, Christopher Yeary3
1Surgery, Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pikeville, USA.
This case report details a rare instance of spontaneous small bowel perforation in a patient incidentally diagnosed with COVID-19. It highlights potential unknown gastrointestinal complications of SARS-CoV-2.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases
- Virology and Immunology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents with diverse symptoms, including documented pulmonary, neurological, gastrointestinal, and hematologic complications.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms are frequent extrapulmonary manifestations, but primary perforation remains infrequently reported.
Observation:
- A case of spontaneous small bowel perforation is presented.
- The patient was incidentally found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2.
Findings:
- This case suggests a potential, albeit rare, association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and spontaneous small bowel perforation.
- The exact incidence and mechanism require further investigation.
Implications:
- This finding expands the spectrum of known SARS-CoV-2 complications.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathobiology linking SARS-CoV-2 to gastrointestinal emergencies like perforation.
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