ABSTRACT
Systemic capillary leak syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by dysfunctional inflammatory response, endothelial dysfunction, and extravasation of fluid from the vascular space to the interstitial space leading to shock, hemoconcentration, hypoalbuminemia, and subsequent organ failure. The condition may be idiopathic or secondary to an underlying cause, which can include viral infections. Here we describe a patient with acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection who presented with hemoconcentration, shock, and hypoalbuminemia. The patient subsequently developed rhabdomyolysis and compartment syndrome of all four extremities, requiring fasciotomies. This is the first reported case of systemic capillary leak syndrome associated with COVID-19 infection. This case adds to the evolving spectrum of inflammatory effects associated with this viral infection.
Subject(s)
COVID-19/physiopathology , Capillary Leak Syndrome/physiopathology , Compartment Syndromes/physiopathology , Hypoalbuminemia/physiopathology , Shock/physiopathology , Abdominal Pain/etiology , Acidosis, Lactic/etiology , Acidosis, Lactic/physiopathology , Acidosis, Lactic/therapy , Acute Kidney Injury/etiology , Acute Kidney Injury/physiopathology , Acute Kidney Injury/therapy , COVID-19/complications , COVID-19/therapy , Capillary Leak Syndrome/etiology , Compartment Syndromes/etiology , Compartment Syndromes/surgery , Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy , Crystalloid Solutions/therapeutic use , Edema/etiology , Edema/physiopathology , Fasciotomy , Fatal Outcome , Fluid Therapy , Hematocrit , Humans , Hypoalbuminemia/etiology , Hypoalbuminemia/therapy , Male , Middle Aged , Respiration, Artificial , Rhabdomyolysis/etiology , Rhabdomyolysis/physiopathology , Shock/etiology , Shock/therapy , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Vasoconstrictor Agents/therapeutic useABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is a novel coronavirus first diagnosed in U.S. hospitals in January 2020. Typical presenting symptoms include fever, dry cough, dyspnea, and hypoxia. However, several other symptoms have been reported, including fatigue, weakness, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. We have identified a series of patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) likely precipitated by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). CASE SERIES: We describe 5 patients with previously known type 2 diabetes and no history of DKA, who presented to the emergency department with new-onset DKA and COVID-19. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Diabetes mellitus is a known risk factor for poor outcomes in viral respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. Infection may precipitate DKA in patients with type 2 diabetes. Aggressive management of these patients is recommended; however, management guidelines have not yet been put forth for this unique subset of patients.