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COVID-19-Related Acalculous Groove Pancreatitis
João Luís Cavaco1, Hélder Diogo Goncalves1, Maria José Pires1
1Department of Internal Medicine II, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, E.P.E., Lisbon, Portugal.
European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine
|April 13, 2023
Summary
Groove pancreatitis, a rare condition, presents diagnostic challenges, often mimicking malignancy. This case highlights a potential, previously undescribed association with severe COVID-19 pneumonia.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Groove pancreatitis is a rare form of chronic pancreatitis.
- It is challenging to distinguish radiologically from pancreaticoduodenal malignancy.
- Groove pancreatitis is typically associated with alcohol use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a unique case of groove pancreatitis.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges in differentiating it from malignancy.
- To report the first known case of COVID-19-associated groove pancreatitis.
Main Methods:
- A 64-year-old female patient with severe COVID-19 pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation presented with abdominal pain.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed pancreaticoduodenal inflammatory tissue.
- Malignancy was excluded through diagnostic workup.
Main Results:
- The patient's presentation and imaging findings were consistent with groove pancreatitis.
- Malignancy was successfully ruled out.
- This represents the first reported instance of groove pancreatitis in the context of COVID-19.
Conclusions:
- Groove pancreatitis diagnosis is challenging and requires prompt exclusion of malignancy.
- This case suggests a potential, previously undocumented association between COVID-19 and groove pancreatitis.
- Further research is needed to understand this potential link and its implications.
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