COVID-19 Infection Manifesting as a Severe Gastroparesis Flare: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease caused by infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which commonly presents with symptoms including fever, cough, and dyspnea. More recently, however, some patients have tested positive for COVID-19 after developing gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms either solely or in conjunction with respiratory symptoms. This may be due to SARS-CoV-2 infection of the GI tract. In patients with chronic GI illnesses, COVID-19 may initially present as a flare of their underlying GI conditions as viruses have historically been implicated in exacerbations of GI disorders, including gastroparesis. Case presentation: We report a case of a 37 year-old female with a history of diabetic gastroparesis who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) in a gastroparesis flare. Her symptoms in the ED failed to improve with fluids and anti-emetic medications. After developing a fever, she was tested and found to be positive for COVID-19.Conclusion: To our knowledge, at the present time, this is the first report of a patient with COVID-19 presenting with signs and symptoms of a gastroparesis flare. This case illustrates that patients with underlying GI disorders, such as gastroparesis, may have SARS-CoV-2 infections that present as an exacerbation of their underlying disorder. Initial presentation of these patients manifesting as a flare of their chronic GI disease, more severe than usual, should prompt an index of suspicion for COVID-19.