Acute Pancreatitis in Mild COVID-19 Infection
Seetha Lakshmanan, Amer M. Malik
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global health crisis. This virus uses angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors to facilitate cellular entry. ACE2 receptors appear to be highly expressed in pancreatic exocrine glands and islet cells, more so than in lung tissues, suggesting that pancreatic injury can occur despite having only mild COVID-19 symptoms. We report a patient with COVID-19 who presented with only gastrointestinal symptoms and discuss the importance of identifying pancreatitis early to improve prognosis.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)PancreatitisAcute pancreatitisCoronavirusReceptorSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Betacoronavirus2019-20 coronavirus outbreakLungAngiotensin-converting enzyme 2Internal medicineImmunologyDiseasePathologyInfectious disease (medical specialty)OutbreakPancreatitis Pathology and TreatmentCOVID-19 Clinical Research StudiesPancreatic and Hepatic Oncology Research