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Ito W, Fukumori T, Asaoka N, Imakita N, Nishimura T, Furukawa R, Nishihara Y, Fujikura H, Sekine T, Yamaguchi N, Hirata Y, Miyamoto S, Kanno T, Katano H, Suzuki T, Kasahara K. Acute acalculous cholecystitis following extended administration of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir for persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection. J Infect Chemother 2024; 30:659-663. [PMID: 38184107 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2023.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Immunocompromised patients with hematologic malignancies, particularly those treated with anti-CD20 antibodies such as rituximab and obinutuzumab, are known to be at risk of prolonged infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Prolonged administration or combination therapy with antiviral medications reportedly yields favorable outcomes in these patients. However, knowledge regarding the adverse events associated with such therapeutic approaches is limited. Herein, we report a case of acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) following extended administration of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (NMV/r) in a 68-year-old Japanese man with persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patient had received obinutuzumab and bendamustine for follicular lymphoma and was diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) approximately one year after treatment initiation with these drugs. Subsequently, he was admitted to a different hospital, where he received antiviral drugs, monoclonal antibodies, and steroids. Despite these interventions, the patient relapsed and was subsequently transferred to our hospital due to persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Remdesivir administration was ineffective, leading to the initiation of extended NMV/r therapy. One week later, he exhibited elevated gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels, and one month later, he developed AAC. Cholecystitis was successfully resolved via percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage and administration of antibiotics. We speculate that extended NMV/r administration, in addition to COVID-19, may have contributed to the elevated GGT and AAC. During treatment of persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection with extended NMV/r therapy, patients should be carefully monitored for the appearance of findings suggestive of biliary stasis and the development of AAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Ito
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Fukumori
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Nao Asaoka
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Natsuko Imakita
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Tomoko Nishimura
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Furukawa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Yuji Nishihara
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Fujikura
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hyogo Prefectural Amagasaki General Medical Center, Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Sekine
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Naoki Yamaguchi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Hirata
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sho Miyamoto
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kanno
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Harutaka Katano
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tadaki Suzuki
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kei Kasahara
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan.
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Konagaya K, Kume N, Ogino H. Duodenal Ulcer Perforation Causing Acute Cholecystitis. Cureus 2024; 16:e61293. [PMID: 38813075 PMCID: PMC11134304 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute cholecystitis is an inflammatory condition of the gallbladder, characterized by infection, ulceration, and neutrophilic infiltration of the gallbladder wall. Approximately 90% of cases are caused by gallstones. In contrast, acalculous cholecystitis is defined as the inflammation of the gallbladder in the absence of gallstones during diagnosis. The causes of acalculous cholecystitis include impaired blood flow to the gallbladder, chemical injury, bacterial or parasitic infections, and collagen vascular diseases. However, in this case, it was caused by an extremely rare condition: a duodenal ulcer penetration. Physical examination, blood tests, and ultrasound suggested a diagnosis of acute cholecystitis. However, contrast-enhanced CT showed no gallstones and revealed a partial mucosal defect in the first portion of the anterior duodenum. There was also wall thickening and increased density of the surrounding fat tissue, particularly around the gallbladder wall adjacent to the first portion of the anterior duodenum. Based on these findings, secondary cholecystitis due to perforation of a duodenal ulcer was diagnosed, and laparoscopic cholecystectomy with omental patching was performed. Although rare, a duodenal ulcer should be considered as a cause of acalculous cholecystitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nao Kume
- Vascular Surgery, Narita Tomisato Tokushukai Hospital, Chiba, JPN
| | - Hidemitsu Ogino
- Vascular Surgery, Narita Tomisato Tokushukai Hospital, Chiba, JPN
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Thomaidou E, Karlafti E, Didagelos M, Megari K, Argiriadou E, Akinosoglou K, Paramythiotis D, Savopoulos C. Acalculous Cholecystitis in COVID-19 Patients: A Narrative Review. Viruses 2024; 16:455. [PMID: 38543820 PMCID: PMC10976146 DOI: 10.3390/v16030455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) represents cholecystitis without gallstones, occurring in approximately 5-10% of all cases of acute cholecystitis in adults. Several risk factors have been recognized, while infectious diseases can be a cause of cholecystitis in otherwise healthy people. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has spread worldwide, leading to an unprecedented pandemic. The virus enters cells through the binding of the spike protein to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors expressed in many human tissues, including the epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and this explains the symptoms emanating from the digestive system. Acute cholecystitis has been reported in patients with COVID-19. The purpose of this review is to provide a detailed analysis of the current literature on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of AAC in patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evanthia Thomaidou
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.T.); (M.D.); (E.A.)
| | - Eleni Karlafti
- Emergency Department, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece;
- First Propaedeutic Internal Medicine Department, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Matthaios Didagelos
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.T.); (M.D.); (E.A.)
- 1st Cardiology Department, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Megari
- CITY College, University of York Europe Campus, 54626 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Eleni Argiriadou
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.T.); (M.D.); (E.A.)
| | - Karolina Akinosoglou
- Department of Medicine, University General Hospital of Patras, 26504 Rio, Greece;
| | - Daniel Paramythiotis
- First Propaedeutic Department of Surgery, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Christos Savopoulos
- First Propaedeutic Internal Medicine Department, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Chang C, Wang Y, Shi W, Xu H, Huang X, Jiao Y. Is conservative management a safe approach for patients with acute acalculous cholecystitis presenting with an acute abdomen? Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e34662. [PMID: 37656996 PMCID: PMC10476726 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000034662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) often present with acute abdominal symptoms. However, recent clinical studies have suggested that some patients with AAC and an acute abdomen, especially when caused by viruses or rheumatic disease, may not require cholecystectomy and that conservative treatment is adequate. Whether cholecystectomy is superior to conservative treatment for patients with AAC presenting with a severe acute abdomen is still uncertain. This was a case series study of AAC-related literature published between 1960 and 2022. In total, 171 cases (104 viral infection-associated AAC and 67 rheumatic disease-associated AAC) were included. The prognoses of patients receiving cholecystectomy or conservative treatment were compared. To account for confounding factors, etiological stratification and logistic regression were performed. The prognosis was similar for patients undergoing cholecystectomy and conservative treatment (P value .364), and virus infection-associated AAC had a better prognosis than rheumatic disease-associated AAC (P value .032). In patients with AAC caused by viruses or rheumatic disease, the acute abdomen can be adequately managed by conservative treatment of the underlying etiology and does not mandate surgical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuheng Chang
- Department of General Practice (General Internal Medicine), Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Youyang Wang
- Department of General Practice (General Internal Medicine), Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Haifeng Xu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoming Huang
- Department of General Practice (General Internal Medicine), Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Department of General Practice (General Internal Medicine), Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Anouassi Z, Abril C, Ismail G, El Nekidy WS, Al-Hadeethi A, Bafadel A, Atallah B. A Case of Hemorrhagic Cholecystitis in a Patient on Apixaban After COVID-19 Infection. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CASE REPORTS 2023; 24:e939677. [PMID: 37475204 PMCID: PMC10367937 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.939677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hemorrhagic cholecystitis is a rare cause of abdominal pain, which can result from malignancy, bleeding, or trauma. The presentation, which includes right upper-quadrant pain, nausea, and vomiting, can overlap with other disease states, thereby rendering the diagnosis challenging. CASE REPORT We describe a patient taking apixaban wo had paroxysmal atrial fibrillation with history of joint pain on long-term steroids who developed hemorrhagic cholecystitis following an episode of pneumonia secondary to SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) infection. The hospital COVID-19 pneumonia protocol included the administration of steroids and symptomatic care. Following discharge, he presented to our hospital with a sudden onset of severe abdominal pain and distention accompanied by elevated liver enzymes and a low hemoglobin level of 78 g/L. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed a distended gallbladder and intraluminal layering, early subacute blood products, and increased wall thickness, which was thought to represent non-calcular hemorrhagic cholecystitis. Furthermore, a stable 18×16×20 mm cyst in the tail of the pancreas was also located posteriorly, with indentation to the splenic vein. The patient was managed conservatively, and the pain subsided on day 3 after admission. CONCLUSIONS Hemorrhagic cholecystitis is rarely reported with the use of the direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). In our case the combination of a recent COVID-19 hospitalization, steroid use, and possible pancreatic cancer (CA 19-9 288.4 kU/L) may have contributed to such incidence in the setting of apixaban utilization; however, it is not possible to make definitive correlations. Investigating hemorrhagic cholecystitis in the setting of DOAC use in patients with multiple risk factors such as those that existed in our patient is imperative for proper diagnosis and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohour Anouassi
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Carlos Abril
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ghanem Ismail
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Wasim S. El Nekidy
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Abdullah Al-Hadeethi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmed Bafadel
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bassam Atallah
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Awan JR, Akhtar Z, Inayat F, Farooq A, Goraya MHN, Ishtiaq R, Malik S, Younus F, Kazmi S, Ashraf MJ, Khan AA, Tarar ZI. Acute acalculous cholecystitis as a rare gastroenterological association of COVID-19: a case series and systematic review. J Clin Transl Res 2023; 9:133-143. [PMID: 37179790 PMCID: PMC10171317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) is an acute inflammatory disease of the gallbladder in the absence of cholecystolithiasis. It is a serious clinicopathologic entity, with a high mortality rate of 30-50%. A number of etiologies have been identified that can potentially trigger AAC. However, clinical evidence on its occurrence following COVID-19 remains scarce. We aim to evaluate the association between COVID-19 and AAC. Methods We report our clinical experience based on 3 patients who were diagnosed with AAC secondary to COVID-19. A systematic review of the MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Embase databases was conducted for English-only studies. The latest search date was December 20, 2022. Specific search terms were used regarding AAC and COVID-19, with all associated permutations. Articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were screened, and 23 studies were selected for a quantitative analysis. Results A total of 31 case reports (level of clinical evidence: IV) of AAC related to COVID-19 were included. The mean age of patients was 64.7 ± 14.8 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.1:1. Major clinical presentations included fever 18 (58.0%), abdominal pain 16 (51.6%), and cough 6 (19.3%). Hypertension 17 (54.8%), diabetes mellitus 5 (16.1%), and cardiac disease 5 (16.1%) were among the common comorbid conditions. COVID-19 pneumonia was encountered before, after, or concurrently with AAC in 17 (54.8%), 10 (32.2%), and 4 (12.9%) patients, respectively. Coagulopathy was noted in 9 (29.0%) patients. Imaging studies for AAC included computed tomography scan and ultrasonography in 21 (67.7%) and 8 (25.8%) cases, respectively. Based on the Tokyo Guidelines 2018 criteria for severity, 22 (70.9%) had grade II and 9 (29.0%) patients had grade I cholecystitis. Treatment included surgical intervention in 17 (54.8%), conservative management alone in 8 (25.8%), and percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage in 6 (19.3%) patients. Clinical recovery was achieved in 29 (93.5%) patients. Gallbladder perforation was encountered as a sequela in 4 (12.9%) patients. The mortality rate in patients with AAC following COVID-19 was 6.5%. Conclusions We report AAC as an uncommon but important gastroenterological complication following COVID-19. Clinicians should remain vigilant for COVID-19 as a possible trigger of AAC. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can potentially save patients from morbidity and mortality. Relevance for Patients AAC can occur in association with COVID-19. If left undiagnosed, it may adversely impact the clinical course and outcomes of patients. Therefore, it should be considered among the differential diagnoses of the right upper abdominal pain in these patients. Gangrenous cholecystitis can often be encountered in this setting, necessitating an aggressive treatment approach. Our results point out the clinical importance of raising awareness about this biliary complication of COVID-19, which will aid in early diagnosis and appropriate clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zahra Akhtar
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Faisal Inayat
- Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan
- Corresponding author: Faisal Inayat Allama Iqbal Medical College, Allama Shabbir Ahmad Usmani Road, Faisal Town, Lahore 54550, Punjab, Pakistan. Tel: +92 321 774 3758 Fax: +92 42 9923 1443
| | | | | | - Rizwan Ishtiaq
- Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Sana Malik
- University Maternity Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | | | - Sana Kazmi
- Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
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Ippolito D, Maino C, Vernuccio F, Cannella R, Inchingolo R, Dezio M, Faletti R, Bonaffini PA, Gatti M, Sironi S. Liver involvement in patients with COVID-19 infection: A comprehensive overview of diagnostic imaging features. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:834-850. [PMID: 36816623 PMCID: PMC9932422 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i5.834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
During the first wave of the pandemic, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection has been considered mainly as a pulmonary infection. However, different clinical and radiological manifestations were observed over time, including involvement of abdominal organs. Nowadays, the liver is considered one of the main affected abdominal organs. Hepatic involvement may be caused by either a direct damage by the virus or an indirect damage related to COVID-19 induced thrombosis or to the use of different drugs. After clinical assessment, radiology plays a key role in the evaluation of liver involvement. Ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to evaluate liver involvement. US is widely available and it is considered the first-line technique to assess liver involvement in COVID-19 infection, in particular liver steatosis and portal-vein thrombosis. CT and MRI are used as second- and third-line techniques, respectively, considering their higher sensitivity and specificity compared to US for assessment of both parenchyma and vascularization. This review aims to the spectrum of COVID-19 liver involvement and the most common imaging features of COVID-19 liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Ippolito
- Milano Bicocca School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano 20126, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza 20900, Italy
| | - Cesare Maino
- Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza 20900, Italy
| | - Federica Vernuccio
- Institute of Radiology (DIMED), University Hospital of Padova, Padova 35128, Italy
| | - Roberto Cannella
- Section of Radiology-Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, Palermo 90127, Italy
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Riccardo Inchingolo
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Madonna delle Grazie Hospital, Matera 75100, Italy
| | - Michele Dezio
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Madonna delle Grazie Hospital, Matera 75100, Italy
| | - Riccardo Faletti
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin 10126, Italy
| | - Pietro Andrea Bonaffini
- Milano Bicocca School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano 20126, Italy
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo 24127, Italy
| | - Marco Gatti
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Turin, Turin 10126, Italy
| | - Sandro Sironi
- Milano Bicocca School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano 20126, Italy
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo 24127, Italy
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Wu D, Hacking S, Lee L. A Series of COVID-19 Cases With Findings in the Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary System. Cureus 2022; 14:e22602. [PMID: 35355548 PMCID: PMC8957856 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.22602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly spread worldwide. Most of the infected patients present with respiratory symptoms and acute lung damage. Here, we present three cases of patients with COVID-19 disease whose main clinical manifestations are gastrointestinal symptoms. In our first case, we present a COVID-19 patient with histologic findings associated with ischemic necrosis of the small bowel. In the second and third cases, we demonstrate acute cholecystitis and histology showing microvascular thrombosis. These three cases highlight the ischemic and thrombotic changes seen in the setting of COVID-19 infection without classic respiratory symptoms, with resulting severe gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disease requiring surgical management. Although the bile or stool viral load was not tested in these patients, the small intestine and gallbladder were infected with SARS-CoV-2, most likely via the epithelial angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor.
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