In Canada, researchers recently published a meta-analysis on Covid-19. According to the results, the intestinal symptoms can be linked to an infection with the virus. However, this can occur even when the patient has no respiratory problems.
The list of symptoms of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is long. The most common are:fever, cough, fatigue and dyspnea. There are also possible skin symptoms, loss of smell or hearing or even the appearance of a "purple toe". In addition, many people have no symptoms (asymptomatic) or very little. In a publication in the journal Abdominal Radiology on September 14, 2020, researchers from the University of Alberta (Canada) discuss gastrointestinal disorders.
“There is a growing body of literature showing that abdominal symptomatology is a common presentation of COVID-19 “, said Mitch Wilson, principal director of the study.
According to this meta-analysis, gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain are common. It turns out that 16% of cases of Covid-19 are only treated for this type of disorder. The meta-analysis in question considered no less than 36 publications dating from March 31 to July 15, 2020. For scientists, this significant prevalence should cause special attention during examinations abdominal imaging to facilitate and improve diagnostics.
Patients who participated in these studies underwent abdominal CT, Doppler ultrasound and/or conventional ultrasound. However, the researchers reported anomalies on the images in 22 of the 36 studies of the meta-analysis. Experts suggest thickening of the intestinal wall in most cases. Nevertheless, some cases are due to pneumatosis intestinalis in several places of the intestinal tract. There are also other cases showing an abnormal presence of gas in the portal vein. The scientists behind this meta-analysis also reported intussusception (intussusception) in very young children. This rare phenomenon is characterized by the sliding of one part of the intestine into another. By telescoping, these parts generate an intestinal occlusion.
University of Alberta research highlights atypical forms of Covid-19. They are also intended to improve patient diagnosis , even in the absence of respiratory symptoms. However, this is by no means an exhaustive list of intestinal problems linked to the coronavirus. Indeed, the researchers say that they have not yet observed all the data available in the studies.
