Ogilvie Syndrome and COVID-19 Infection

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an airborne infection transmitted via respiratory droplets and aerosolized material; however, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) uses the same angiotensin-converting enzyme type 2 receptor present in the respiratory epithelial cells to bind surface epithelial cells in the gastrointestinal tract. Here we report a case of Ogilvie syndrome in a patient who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 a month prior to hospital admission. Quick recognition of Ogilvie syndrome as a potential complication of COVID-19 infection, prompt treatment with conservative measures, and prevention of possible fecal-oral transmission of the virus are crucial steps.

J Med Cases. 2021;12(8):328-331
doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc3728