Toxic megacolon in a patient with COVID-19

Authors

Keywords:

Covid-19, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2, gastrointestinal manifestations, toxic megacolon

Abstract

Introduction: The pandemic derived from the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a global public health emergency, due to the fact that it can develop life-threatening complications. Although SARS-CoV-2 is known to cause substantial lung disease, many extra-pulmonary manifestations have been observed, including involvement of the gastrointestinal system. Toxic mega colon is a rare but life-threatening complication most associated with inflammatory bowel disease. However, any condition that leads to inflammation of the colon can lead to toxic dilation.Objective: To report the case of a patient with ARDS secondary to a SARS-COV-2 infection. Concomitantly, she had non-obstructive dilation of the colon, associated with systemic toxicity.Clinical case report: The development of toxic mega colon in a patient with SARS-COV-2 may be justified because the virus infects host cells through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor. The diagnostic criteria for toxic megacolon were met.Conclusions: It is also highly expressed in intestinal epithelial cells, therefore, its timely diagnosis should be considered for early intervention, in order to reduce the mortality rate as much as possible. Keywords: COVID-19; angiotensin converting enzyme 2; gastrointestinal manifestations; toxic megacolon

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Published

2021-09-16

How to Cite

1.
Ortega Rosales AJ, Romero Ulloa G, Burneo Rosales C, Gutiérrez Vásquez R. Toxic megacolon in a patient with COVID-19. Rev Cubana Med [Internet]. 2021 Sep. 16 [cited 2025 Mar. 14];60(3). Available from: https://revmedicina.sld.cu/index.php/med/article/view/2484

Issue

Vol. 60 No. 3 (2021): Suplemento

Section

Case Reports

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