Mesenteric ischemia and COVID-19: an observational study in a tertiary care centre in Bangalore

Abstract

Background: Acute mesenteric ischemia is a rare abdominal emergency and is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. COVID-19 infection has also been described to predispose to venous and arterial thromboembolism. The mortality rate of AMI in COVID-19 is still unknown, yet it is likely to contribute significantly to an increased burden of disease Aim and objective were to determine the occurrence of mesenteric ischemia in patients with history of COVID-19 infection in a tertiary health care centre in Bangalore.Methods: This is a retrospective observational study conducted in the department of general surgery in Bangalore medical college and research institute, Bangalore over a period of 3 months from October 2021 to December 2021. A total of 15 patients who presented to the emergency department and was diagnosed to have mesenteric ischemia were included in the study.Results: Total of 15 patients were included in the study. Mean age of the patients was 41.86 years. 5 patients had history of being tested positive for COVID-19 and another 3 of the patients had history of being symptomatic or coming in contact with a COVID-19 patient but was not tested.Conclusions: Knowledge of occurrence of mesenteric vessel thrombosis in patients with history of COVID-19 infection is essential for the health care workers and the patients and their attenders for timely consultation, diagnosis and management.