An Emerging Clinical Form of Acute Pancreatitis in Covid-19

Abstract

Background: As the global severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic continues, new clinical forms of the disease continue to emerge. While the coronavirus is responsible for gastrointestinal symptoms and acute hepatitis, researchers at the Royal University Hospital of Liverpool say they have identified cases of COVID-19-linked pancreatitis in young patients with COVID-19. Objectives: To establish influence of concomitant COVID-19 on clinical presentation and treatment strategy of patients with AP. Methods: This is a case report of pediatric patient admitted to a Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, A. Harouchi Hospital, CHU Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Morocco in October 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: We report the observation of a 16-year-old girl, who received symptomatic outpatient treatment for influenza-like illness with a fever of 38.5°C before rapidly evolving in 1 week to stage E pancreatitis, where a SARS-COV2 IgG and IgM viral serology was requested coming back positive with a negative nasopharyngeal PCR covid. Conclusion: In conclusion, pancreatitis caused by SARS-CoV-2 is a real but rare entity; in fact COVID-19 can present as pancreatitis. This case highlights acute pancreatitis as a complication associated with COVID-19 and underlines the importance of measuring pancreas-specific plasma amylase in patients with COVID-19 and abdominal pain. This diagnosis is important for adequate treatment and better management of systemic repercussions, such as SIRS, decreasing SARS-CoV-2 mortality.