Reference values for metal(loid)s concentrations in the urine samples of healthy Iranian adults: Results from the first nationally representative human biomonitoring study.

BACKGROUND: This study measured the concentrations of arsenic (As), aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) in the urine samples of the Iranian adult population. METHODS: This nationally representative study was conducted on 490 participants in six provinces of Iran who were selected based on the clustering method. Participants included healthy Iranian adults aged above 25 years without a history of illness and non-smokers. Fasting urine sampling, body composition, and demographic measurements were performed for each participant. Urine samples were analyzed by acid digesting method using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The analysis included descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression using Python programming language. RESULTS: The geometrical mean (with corresponding reference values, µg/l) concentrations of metal(loid)s in urine for women, men, and both were 198.2 (625.3), 163.5 (486.1), and 192.5(570.4) for Al, 15.6(51.7), 28.8(71.1), and 21.9 (61.64) for As, 18.5(55.2), 20.7(56.5), and 19.22(55.75) for Pb, 17.9(57.6), 17.9 (53.9), and 17.9(56) for Ni, 13.95(47.5), 20.3(62.2) and 16(51.6) for Cr, 3.5(12.2), 2.9(11.5), and 3.3(12) for Hg, 0.74(2.7), 0.95 (3.6), and 0.81(3.1) for Cd. There was a direct relationship between the concentration of metal(loid)s and demographic indicators and body composition (P<0.05). Moreover, there was a direct relationship between the concentration of As, Cr, Hg, Ni, and Pb with age and wealth index (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The concentrations found could be used as the reference range for As, Al, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, and Pb for human biomonitoring studies on the Iranian adult population.

Triglyceride-glucose index and obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has a bidirectional association with metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance (IR). The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index could be a simply calculated marker of IR in OSA. However, its clinical application appears still limited. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to respond to this question by analyzing all the existing studies showing an association between OSA and the TyG index. METHODS: Four online databases, including PubMed, Scopus, the Web of Science, and Embase were searched for studies evaluating the TyG index in OSA. After screening and data extraction, a random-effect meta-analysis was performed to compare the TyG index in OSA patients vs. healthy controls by calculating standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) and pooling the area under the curves (AUCs) for diagnosis of OSA based on this index. RESULTS: Ten studies involving 16,726 individuals were included in the current systematic review. Meta-analysis indicated that there was a significantly higher TyG index in patients with OSA, compared with the healthy controls (SMD 0.856, 95% CI 0.579 to 1.132, P < 0.001). Also, TyG had a diagnostic ability for OSA representing a pooled AUC of 0.681 (95% CI 0.627 to 0.735). However, based on the two studies' findings, no difference between different severities of OSA was observed. Finally, our data showed that the TyG index is a good potential predictor of adverse outcomes in these patients. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that the TyG index is an easy-to-measure marker of IR for assessing OSA, both in diagnosis and prognosis. Our study supports its implementation in routine practice to help clinicians in decision-making and patient stratification.

The levels and trends of cancer incidence in the elderly population at national and sub-national scales in Iran from 1990 to 2016.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is most commonly associated with aging. It is necessary to gain a better understanding of cancer's trend and distribution among elderlies and provide comprehensive cancer care for this population. AIMS: The aim of the current study was to show the trends in cancer incidence focusing on the population aged 60+ from 1990 to 2016 in Iran. MATERIAL AND RESULTS: We used the dataset of the Iran Cancer Registry to estimate cancer incidences by sex, age, province, and year. In order to account for incomplete data we used a two-stage spatiotemporal model along with random intercept mixed effect models. We calculated annual age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) for age groups 60+ and 5-interval age groups. There was an increasing trend of 25.3% to 936.9% (95% uncertainty interval: 769.6-1141.8) in ASIR in the elderly in 2016. ASIR of all cancers were 889.7 (731.3-1083.6) in women and 988.1 (811.1-1205) in men in 2016, per 100 000 respectively, which had an increasing trend comparing 1990. Skin, breast, and stomach cancers in women and prostate, skin, and stomach cancers in men were the most common types in 2016. All the most incident cancer subtypes underwent an increasing trend in both sexes, except for the bladder, esophageal, and skin cancers which almost had a similar level in 1990 and 2016. Most provinces had an increasing trend in ASIR in all cancers combined from 1990 to 2016 except Zanjan with a decreasing trend. CONCLUSION: Regarding the persistent increasing trend of most elderly cancers' incidence, this is crucial for policymakers to establish preventive plans, determine proper resource allocation, and develop specific treatments for elderly cancer patients.

The national trend of the burden of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in Iran from 1990 to 2019.

Purpose: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has become the 8th leading cause of death in Iran in 2017, 5 steps up from 1990. This is important as hypertension, diabetes, and chronic glomerulonephritis along with exposure to toxins or heavy metals are the main risk factors for the disease. Despite its heavy burden, there are limited studies on the incidence and prevalence of the disease in the Iranian adult population. The present article studies the burden of CKD at the national level in 2019, and its trend over the past three decades. Methods: In 2019, the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study provided an annual estimation of the burden of 369 diseases and injuries in 204 countries from 1990 until 2019. The data estimating CKD and related mortality in Iran were collected from the disease registry, survey, and scientific literature. All-ages and age-standardised indices of incidence, prevalence, deaths, years lived with disability, years of life lost, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were extracted for both sexes. Results: Since 1990, the age-standardized incidence (34.7% (95% uncertainty interval 30.8 - 38.8)) and prevalence (19.6% (17.7 - 21.8)) of CKD have risen, while a 21.5% (-28.8 - -15.4) and 18.0% (-35.4 - -10.8) decrease were noted in age-standardized DALYs and deaths rates, respectively. The lowest prevalence was reported in the eastern and western provinces. Conclusion: Current study provides comprehensive knowledge about the CKD burden, suggesting the Iranian healthcare system has been more effective in averting deaths rather than managing morbidities. Multi-sectoral action plans are needed to strengthen preventive and early detection programs in high-risk areas. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-023-01298-y.

The levels and trends of metabolic risk factors in the elderly population at the national and sub-national scale in Iran from 1990 to 2016.

Purpose: Describing the trends of metabolic risk factors (MRFs) in the elderly population. Methods: We used modeled data from previous comprehensive systematic reviews for MRFs among adults aged ≥ 60 years. Two stages of age-specific Spatio-temporal modeling and Gaussian process regression were used to estimate the mean of MRFs. We used crosswalk modeling to estimate the prevalence of elevated and raised Total cholesterol (TC), overweight/obesity and obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Estimates were analyzed based on combinations of sex, age, year, and province from 1990 to 2016. Results: Comparing prevalence estimates from 2016 with those of 1990, in the elderly population, the age-standardized prevalence of overweight/obesity, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension increased, conversely, the prevalence of hypercholesteremia decreased. The prevalence of hypertension increased about 141.5% and 129.9% in men and women respectively. The age-standardized prevalence of diabetes increased about 109.5% in females, and 116.0% in males. Prevalence of elevated TC at the national level decreased to 67.4% (64.1-70.4) in women and to 51.1% (47.5-54.8) in men. These findings were almost shown across provinces. In general, the northern and western provinces had the highest prevalence of overweight/obesity in women in 2016. Conclusion: The rising prevalence of most MRFs, as well as the greater prevalence and mean of all MRFs in women, necessitate effective public health policies to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases and run preventive programs. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-023-01297-z.

Urinary and circulatory netrin-1 as biomarker in diabetes and its related complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Novel biomarkers have been suggested for the diagnosis and prognosis of diabetes mellitus. The biomarker utility of netrin-1 in diabetes as an extracellular protein has been investigated. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we reviewed the role of netrin-1 as a biomarker in prediabetes, diabetes, and complications of diabetes. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically searched for studies that measured circulatory and/or urinary netrin-1 levels in diabetes and compared them with non-diabetic patients or evaluated the prognostic role of this marker. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using random-effect meta-analysis to compare netrin-1 levels between groups. The impact of mean age, male sex percentage, sample size, mean body mass index, and publication year on the overall heterogeneity was assessed using meta-regression. RESULTS: Among 413 records from international databases, 19 original studies were included with 2061 cases (1137 diabetics, 196 prediabetics, and 728 healthy controls). Meta-analysis of eight studies measuring netrin-1 in patients with diabetes and comparing it with healthy controls showed no significant difference between the two groups (SMD 0.69, 95% CI -0.78 to 2.16, I2 = 98%, p-value = 0.36). On the other hand, a meta-analysis of netrin-1 levels in patients with prediabetes in comparison with healthy controls revealed that they had lower levels (SMD -0.51, 95% CI -0.81 to -0.21, p-value < 0.01). Diabetic patients with microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria had significantly higher circulatory netrin-1 levels compared to normoalbuminuric group SMD 1.18, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.53, p-value < 0.01 and SMD 1.67, 95% CI 0.76 to 2.58, p-value < 0.01, respectively). Moreover, no difference in urinary netrin-1 levels was found between micro-, macro-, and normoalbuminuric groups (p-value > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Netrin-1 showed promising results as a biomarker in diabetes prognosis. However, more studies are required to confirm our findings, and higher sample size studies are needed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of this marker.

Composite lipid indices in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: One of the most prevalent sleep disorders affecting the individual's daily life is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), for which obesity is a major risk factor. Several novel lipid indices have been suggested to have associations with OSA, among which visceral adiposity index (VAI), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and lipid accumulation product (LAP) are the most important ones. Herein, the current study aimed to systematically investigate the association between these indices and OSA. METHODS: Four international databases, including PubMed, Scopus, the Web of Science, and Embase were searched in order to find relevant studies that investigated LAP, VAI, or AIP in OSA and compared them with non-OSA cases or within different severities of OSA. Random-effect meta-analysis was used to generate the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the difference in lipid indices between OSA and non-OSA cases. Moreover, the pooled area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) observed in individual studies for diagnosis of OSA based on these lipid indices were calculated by random-effect meta-analysis. RESULTS: Totally 14 original studies were included, comprised of 14,943 cases. AIP, LAP, and VAI were assessed in eight, five, and five studies, respectively. Overall, these lipid indices had acceptable diagnostic ability (AUC 0.70, 95% CI 0.67 to 073). Meta-analysis revealed that AIP was significantly higher in patients with OSA (SMD 0.71, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.97, P < 0.01). Moreover, AIP also increased in higher severities of OSA. Regarding LAP, a higher LAP was observed in OSA/patients with high risk for OSA rather than in controls/low risk for OSA (SMD 0.53, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.81, P < 0.01). VAI was also increased in OSA based on results from two studies. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that composite lipid indices are increased in OSA. Also, these indices can have the potential beneficiary diagnostic and prognostic ability in OSA. Future studies can confirm these findings and enlighten the role of lipid indices in OSA.

Burden of autism spectrum disorders in North Africa and Middle East from 1990 to 2019: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

INTRODUCTION: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) encompass a range of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect the patient's communication and behavior. There are some reports about the increasing prevalence of ASD in recent decades, mostly due to the improvement in diagnosis and screening status. Few studies suggested a lower prevalence of ASD in North Africa and Middle East compared to more developed regions. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive outlook of ASD in the region. METHODS: We used Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data from 1990 to 2019 in North Africa and Middle East, which is one of the seven super regions of the GBD categorization. In this study, we reported the epidemiologic indices, including prevalence, incidence, and years lived with disability (YLDs) for ASD in the 21 countries of the super region. We also compared these indices between the countries based on their sociodemographic index (SDI) which was calculated according to income per capita, mean education, and fertility rate. RESULTS: Age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) of ASD in the region is 304.4 (95% uncertainty interval 251.2-366.1) per 100,000 in 2019 with less than one percentage change since 1990. Age-standardized YLDs and incidence rates were 46.4 (30.4-67.5) and 7.7 (6.3-9.3) per 100,000 in 2019. The ASPR was 2.9 times greater in males compared to females in 2019. The highest age-standardized prevalence, incidence, and YLD rates among the countries were seen in Iran in 2019 (370.3, 9.3, and 56.4 per 100,000, respectively). High SDI countries had higher age-standardized YLDs rates compared to the other countries of the region. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the trends of age-standardized epidemiologic indices remained approximately steady through the years 1990-2019 in the region. Though, there was a wide discrepancy between the countries of the region. The difference of YLDs among the countries of this region is related to the SDI of the countries. Monetary and public awareness status are the SDI factors that may affect the quality of life of ASD patients in the region. This study provides valuable information for governments and health systems to implement policies for maintaining the improving trend, achieving more timely diagnosis, and bettering the supportive actions in this region.

Endocan in prediabetes, diabetes, and diabetes-related complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is one of the chronic conditions with a high burden all around the world. Macrovascular and microvascular involvement are among the common mechanisms by which diabetes can impact patients' lives. Endocan as an inflammatory endothelial biomarker has been shown to increase in several communicable and non-communicable diseases. Herein, we aim to investigate the role of endocan as a biomarker in diabetes as a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: International databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase were searched for relevant studies assessing blood endocan in diabetic patients. Estimation of the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for comparison of circulating endocan levels between diabetic patients and non-diabetic controls were conducted through random-effect meta-analysis. RESULTS: Totally, 24 studies were included, assessing 3354 cases with a mean age of 57.4 ± 8.4 years. Meta-analysis indicated that serum endocan levels were significantly higher in diabetic patients in comparison with healthy controls (SMD 1.00, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.19, p-value < 0.01). Moreover, in the analysis of studies with only type-2 diabetes, the same result showing higher endocan was obtained (SMD 1.01, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.24, p-value < 0.01). Higher endocan levels were also reported in chronic diabetes complications such as diabetic retinopathy, diabetic kidney disease, and peripheral neuropathy. CONCLUSION: Based on our study's findings, endocan levels are increased in diabetes, however, further studies are needed for assessing this association. In addition, higher endocan levels were detected in chronic complications of diabetes. This can help researchers and clinicians in recognizing disease endothelial dysfunction and potential complications.

A novel endoscopic approach for management of hutch diverticulum concomitant vesicoureteral reflux with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer injection.

INTRODUCTION: There are various treatment options for symptomatic bladder diverticulum, including robotic-assisted laparoscopic bladder diverticulectomy, open and endoscopic techniques. But, to date, the optimal surgical technique remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To present the preliminary long-term follow-up results of a novel technique of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (Deflux) plus autologous blood injection for correction of hutch diverticulum in patients with concomitant vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). PATIENT AND METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed four patients who had hutch diverticulum with concomitant VUR and had undergone submucosal Deflux following autologous blood injection. Patients with neurogenic bladder, posterior urethral valve, or voiding dysfunction were excluded from the study. Success was defined as the resolution of the diverticulum, hydronephrosis, and hydroureter on ultrasonography at a 3-month follow-up and long-term symptom-free period. RESULTS: Four patients with hutch diverticula were included. The median age at the time of surgery was 6.1 (range 3-8) years. Three of them had unilateral VUR, and one had bilateral VUR. During the procedure, a mean of 0.625 ml Deflux plus a mean of 1.25 ml autologous blood were injected submucosally for correction of VUR. Additionally, a mean of 1.62 ml Deflux plus a mean of 1.75 ml autologous blood were injected submucosally to occlude the diverticulum. The median follow-up was 4.6 (range 4-8) years. This method had excellent success in all patients in the current study with no postoperative complications such as febrile urinary tract infection, or diverticulum, hydroureter, or hydronephrosis in follow-up ultrasounds. CONCLUSIONS: Submucosal injection of Deflux plus autologous blood injection can be a successful endoscopic intervention for treatments of hutch diverticulum in patients with concomitant VUR. Deflux injection can be a simple and cost-effective technique.

Meatal stenosis following three types of circumcision with frenular artery preservation (FAP), the Plastibell device (PD), and frenular artery ligation (FAL): a long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Despite the simplicity of male circumcision, complications occur frequently. Post-circumcision meatal stenosis is a concerning complication that might require several interventions. AIM: This study aims to evaluate the incidence of meatal stenosis in long-term follow-up, following three common circumcision methods: frenular artery preservation, frenular ligation, and the Plastibell device. METHODS: This study is the continuation of the previous randomized clinical trial, the preliminary abstract of which has been accepted in the annual meeting of the American Urological Association in 2011. However, in this paper, we only included the patients with results of long-term follow-up. Patients were followed for a median of 11 years (range, 7-17). Follow-ups were recorded by evaluation of meatus and signs and symptoms of meatal stenosis. RESULTS: Two hundred six boys (80 neonates and 126 non-neonates) at the time of procedure were included in this study. The circumcision was conducted on 23.3% (48/206) of boys with the Plastibell device (PD) and 39.3% (81/206) of cases with frenular artery preservation (FAP) and 37.4% (77/206) of cases with frenular artery ligation (FAL). Meatal stenosis presented in 13 children during follow-up. Considering the three methods of circumcision, a significant difference in the incidence of meatal stenosis among the types of circumcisions was observed (6.3% in PD and 1.2% in FAP, 11.7% in FAL, P = 0.026). CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that the technique preserving the frenular artery is associated with a significantly lower incidence of meatal stenosis. Hence, the FAP is the recommended technique for circumcision as compared to two other methods.

Regional and national burden of leukemia and its attributable burden to risk factors in 21 countries and territories of North Africa and Middle East, 1990-2019: results from the GBD study 2019.

PURPOSE: Regional and national data on leukemia's burden provide a better comprehension of leukemia's trends and are vital for policy-makers for better allocation of the resources. This study reports the burden of leukemia, and the attributed burden to its risk factors in 21 countries and territories of the North Africa and Middle East. METHODS: Data from cancer registration, scientific literature, survey, and reports were the input to estimate the burden of leukemia. In addition, the burden of attributable risk factors with evidence of causation with leukemia was calculated using the comparative risk assessment framework. All measures are reported as counts and rates divided by sex and specific age groups. RESULTS: In 2019, there were 39,297 (95% uncertainty interval: 32,617-45,056) incident cases of leukemia with an age-standardized rate (ASR) of 7.8 (6.5-8.8) per 100,000 in the region. There were also 25,143 (21,109-28,826) deaths and 1,011,555 (822,537-1,173,621) DALYs attributed to Leukemia with an ASR of 5.4 (4.6-6.1) per 100,000 and 183.4 (150.7-211.2) per 100,000, respectively. Years of life lost (YLLs) (179.4 [147.2-206.7]) were accountable for the major part of DALYs. All count measures increased, while all the ASRs decreased during 1990-2019. The Syrian Arab Republic, Qatar, and Afghanistan had the highest ASR incidence, mortality, and DALYs rate in 2019. Incidence, DALYs, and prevalence rates were higher in males of all age groups except under five, and the highest rates were observed in +75 age group. Four major risk factors for leukemia were smoking, high body mass index, occupational exposure to benzene, and formaldehyde. CONCLUSION: Despite the reduction in age-standardized rates of incidence and mortality, the burden of leukemia has increased steadily, due to population growth and aging. Notable variations exist between age-standardized rates in region's countries.

Estimates of incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years of lung cancer in Iran, 1990-2019: A systematic analysis from the global burden of disease study 2019.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is one of the leading cancers, with a high burden worldwide. As a developing country, Iran is facing with population growth, widespread tobacco use, demographic and epidemiologic changes, and environmental exposures, which lead to cancers becoming a severe concern of public health in Iran. We aimed to examine the burden of lung cancer and its risk factors in Iran. METHODS: We utilized the Global Burden of Disease 2019 data and analyzed the total burden of the lung cancer and seven related risk factors by sex, age at national and sub-national levels from 1990 to 2019. RESULTS: The lung cancer age-standardized death rate increased from 11.8 (95% Uncertainty Interval: 9.7-14.4) to 12.9 (11.9-13.9) per 100,000 between 1990 and 2019. This increase was among women from 5 (4.2-7.1) to 8 (7.2-8.8) per 100,000; in contrast, there was a decline among men from 18.5 (14.8-22.6) to 17.8 (16.2-19.4) per 100,000. The burden of lung cancer is concentrated in the advanced age groups. Smoking with 53.5% of total attributable deaths (51.0%-55.9%) was the leading risk factor. At the provincial level, there was a wide range between the lowest and highest, from 8.3 (7.0-10.0) to 19.1 (16.4-22.0) per 100,000 population in the incidence rate and from 8.7 (7.3-10.3) to 20.6 (17.7-24.0) per 100,000 population in mortality rate, respectively in Tehran and West Azerbaijan provinces in 2019. CONCLUSION: The increasing trend of lung cancer burden among the entire Iranian population, the inter-provincial disparities, and the significant rise in burden of this cancer in women necessitate the urgent implementation and development of policies to prevent and manage lung cancer burden and strategies to reduce exposure to risk factors.

Abdominal Imaging Findings in Patients with COVID-19 Part 2: Solid Organs.

Since severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) first appeared in China in December 2019, the globe has been dealing with an ever-increasing incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In addition to respiratory disorders, 40% of patients present with gastrointestinal (GI) involvement. Abdominal pain is the most common indication for computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography. After GI tract involvement, solid visceral organ infarction is the most prevalent abdominal abnormality in COVID-19. This review aims to gather the available data in the literature about imaging features of solid abdominal organs in patients with COVID-19. Gallbladder wall thickening and distension, cholelithiasis, hyperdense biliary sludge, acalculous cholecystitis, periportal edema, heterogeneous liver enhancement, and liver hypodensity and infarction are among hepatobiliary imaging findings in CT, particularly in patients admitted to ICU. Pancreatic involvement can develop as a result of direct SARS-CoV2 invasion with signs of acute pancreatitis in abdominal CT, such as edema and inflammation of the pancreas. Infarction was the most prevalent renal and splenic involvement in patients with COVID-19 who underwent abdominal CT presenting with areas of parenchymal hypodensity. In conclusion, although solid abdominal organs are rarely affected by COVID-19, clinicians must be familiar with the manifestations since they are associated with the disease severity and poor outcome.

Findings of Abdominal Imaging in Patients with COVID-19 - Part 1: Hollow Organs.

Since COVID-19 has spread worldwide, the role of imaging for early detection of the disease has become more prominent. Abdominal symptoms in COVID-19 are common in addition to respiratory manifestations. This review collected the available data about abdominal computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography indications in hollow abdominal organs in patients with COVID-19 and their findings. Since abdominal imaging is less frequently used in COVID-19, there is limited information about the gastrointestinal findings. The most common indications for abdominal CT in patients with COVID-19 were abdominal pain and sepsis. Bowel wall thickening and fluid-filled colon were the most common findings in abdominal imaging. Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) was one of the COVID-19 presentations secondary to coagulation dysfunction. AMI manifests with sudden abdominal pain associated with high morbidity and mortality in admitted patients; therefore, CT angiography should be considered for early diagnosis of AMI. Ultrasonography is a practical modality because of its availability, safety, rapidity, and ability to be used at the bedside. Clinicians and radiologists should be alert to indications and findings of abdominal imaging modalities in COVID-19 to diagnose the disease and its potentially serious complications promptly.