Abdominal pain and diffuse colitis following COVID-19 infection: Report of a case()

Asil, Rouzbeh Shadidi; Mahmoodi, Setareh; Zamani, Amir; Hakakzadeh, Azadeh; Jamali, Elena

INTRODUCTION: Although this is often overlooked, the gastrointestinal (GI) involvement of COVID-19 has been introduced. Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort are among the most common GI symptoms reported. Diffuse Colitis Following COVID-19 Infection is a rare presentation. CASE PRESENTATION: A 52-year-old female presented with intensified abdominal pain following COVID-19 infection to the emergency department. She was diagnosed with peritonitis due to diffuse colitis and perforation of sigmoid colon. The patient was treated with total colectomy with an end ileostomy. CONCLUSION: The purpose of this study was to increase awareness among clinicians about the existence of this rare cause of abdominal pain after COVID-19 infection, diffuse colitis. Although uncommon, these presentations can potentially lead to delay in diagnosis among unfamiliar clinicians with GI presentation of COVID-19. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.