Post Covid Symptoms: Intestinal Clots & Gangrene

Earlier, it was brought to notice that tri-coloured fungi (black, white, and yellow) are said to dwindle lung capacity and form clots in the arteries of limbs, heart and brain. But another shocking symptom is found in Covid-19 patients and that is, reportedly clotting in the intestines and followed by gangrene. This is why doctors across the nation are urging to get checked immediately if one is complaining of excruciating and unexplained stomach aches.

More than 10 cases have been reportedly treated by physicians and surgeons in Mumbai who visited the hospital after complaining of stomach pain but ended up with intestinal clots. A case in Delhi became most-talked-about as a 58-year-old, who came to the emergency ward with severe stomach pain, showed multiple clots in the main artery that pumps blood to the intestines. If these are not treated immediately, it could be fatal.

The further studies revealed that around 16-30 per cent of Covid-19 patients also have gastrointestinal symptoms. Patients with intestinal clots can come with acute mesenteric ischemia, a rare abdominal emergency associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The incidence of invasive fungal infections, including those of the gastrointestinal tract, has increased significantly as the numbers of immunocompromised patients have increased.

Experts in the field of Liver, Gastroenterology and Pancreaticobiliary Sciences says that the white fungus (Candida) is causing multifocal perforations in the food pipe, small bowel and large bowel in Covid-19 infection and it has not been reported in the literature to the best of their knowledge. Amid the prevailing tension, the ICMR gave a nod to all independent researchers from across India to contribute to the scientific knowledge related to COVID-19 by submitting their research ideas in identified priority areas.