COVID-19-associated multiple colonic perforations in a 6-month-old infant: a rare case report.

BACKGROUND

While COVID-19 primarily manifests as a respiratory illness, gastrointestinal complications-including severe colitis and perforation-have been reported, particularly in adults. However, such presentations in infants remain exceedingly rare.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 6-month-old infant presented with lethargy and poor feeding, initially diagnosed with sepsis. Subsequent testing confirmed COVID-19 positivity. During hospitalization, the patient developed feeding intolerance, vomiting, and abdominal distension. Imaging revealed free intraperitoneal fluid with suspected perforation. Emergency laparotomy revealed perforations in the transverse and descending colon, necessitating total colectomy.

CONCLUSION

This case provides laboratory and histopathological evidence linking SARS-CoV-2 to intestinal perforation in infants, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 may contribute to ischemic or inflammatory bowel injury leading to perforation. Early surgical intervention is critical in such scenarios. Further research is needed to establish causality and pathophysiology.