Elevated Lipase Associated With COVID-19 Possibly due to Acute Pancreatitis in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report

Abstract

As the global pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) advances, the challenge of understanding its wide spectrum of symptoms and sequelae continues to be a priority in the medical world. There are not many case reports on the atypical presenting features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), especially in the pediatric population. Discussed here is a case of acute pancreatitis in a 14-year-old male who presented with abdominal pain without any other typical COVID-19 symptoms. Workup was significant for positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR), elevated lipase, and computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis with oral and intravenous contrast showed an indistinct margin of the pancreatic tail and left upper quadrant ascites, supportive of early pancreatitis. Clinical and laboratory improvement was noted after treatment with bowel rest, intravenous fluids, and antibiotics. This case highlights the concern that acute pancreatitis may be a complication associated with COVID-19. Identifying its signs may enable earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Int J Clin Pediatr. 2020;9(4):125-129
doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/ijcp401