Abstract
Severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is well known for causing respiratory and other extrapulmonary manifestations. Patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may demonstrate atypical presentations with gastrointestinal symptoms. Clinicians managing these patients should reserve a high index of suspicion for the rare complication of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI). It is a challenging diagnosis that is often missed when presenting symptoms are subtle and nonspecific like nausea, emesis, or diarrhea. Outcomes are typically catastrophic and fatal as bowel ischemia progresses to necrosis but may be averted with timely diagnostic and therapeutic methods to swiftly restore blood flow.
Highlights
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its disease, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can manifest as a wide spectrum from asymptomatic infection and mild respiratory symptoms to multisystem organ dysfunction
A myriad of thromboembolic complications including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are increasingly recognized, acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a rare but lifethreatening entity that presents a diagnostic challenge for clinicians
We present a rare case of AMI triggered by severe COVID-19 infection in an older patient
Summary
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its disease, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can manifest as a wide spectrum from asymptomatic infection and mild respiratory symptoms to multisystem organ dysfunction. A 76-year-old female with a past medical history of coronary artery disease status post percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), atrial fibrillation not on anticoagulation due to recent gastrointestinal bleed, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and prior history of abdominal reconstructive surgery 20 years ago with ostomy for two years, revision and chronic umbilical hernia presented with a one-week history of worsening shortness of breath. She became acutely dyspneic while climbing a flight of stairs, prompting her to come to the hospital. In concert with the goals of care discussed with her family, she was managed conservatively and transitioned to comfort care before she expired
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
