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Pancreatic Injury from COVID-19
As a fairly new member, this is my 2nd post. The MRI showed a Mass on the head/uncinate process of my pancreas in October. Today, I had my Endoscopic Ultrasound with Biopsy. All my labs have been normal but I've lost 16 unplanned pounds in 2 months and am nauseated with little to no appetite. The physician said my ducts, left top portion of the liver and duodenum were all Normal. But he clearly saw the mass and couldn't tell whether it was cancerous or not and he said he is an expert. So, we wait for the Biopsy results next week. Meanwhile, I realized that I went thru a very bad case of COVID-19 in Dec 2021-Jan 2022 and wondered if there was a connection. See a copy and paste of some of my research below and I would greatly appreciate any information or input on this subject as a possibility for me.
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Pancreatic lesions in COVID-19 patients can be caused directly by the cytopathic effects of the viral infection, or indirectly by systemic responses to inflammation or respiratory failure. Several studies have shown that ACE2 is the functional receptor used by SARS-CoV-2 to gain access to target cells and ACE-2 receptors are expressed in significant amounts in the pancreas. In the first case, an incidental finding of a multi-cystic pancreatic mass on admission was reported. There was no pancreatic ductal dilation on the CT scan, which may indicate a direct injury caused by cytopathic effects of the virus rather than inflammation resulting in exocrine secretions forming cysts. In the second case, multiple masses on the pancreas were found after recovering from COVID-19. These lesions could be remnants of a previous pancreatic injury during the acute phase of the infection.
– COVID-19 as a probable cause of pancreatic injury: 2 case studies | Chest Journal https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9548912/
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@ladyaceintx1, I can see you're concerned about the mass found on your pancreas and am glad that your doctor is investigating further. So often we search for a possible cause. Why did this happen? Was it my diet? My family history? My genes? An infection I had? Cysts, benign tumors, or cancer sometimes don't have a known cause.
It sounds like your doctor is being very thorough. A biopsy will confirm the diagnosis.
You may be interested in reading about the journeys of @faithann64 and @victoriadukes share in these related discussions:
- Cyst on Pancreas? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cyst-on-pancreas/
- IPMN 2 cm mass head of pancreas caught EARLY....... https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ipmn-2-cm-mass-head-of-pancreas-caught-early/
@ladyaceintx1, no matter the diagnosis, no matter the cause, there are members here ready to support you. When do you expect to get the results of the biopsy? Waiting is the hardest part.
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2 ReactionsThank you Colleen for your reply and helpful information.
So, the biopsy was 11/22 and I left with with severe upper abdominal pain. 11/23 8:30pm, I called the GI Specialist and he confirmed what I already suspected...I needed to go to the ER for Acute Pancreatitis . I was admitted with a confirmed diagnosis via labs and CT scan. An additional finding was a very elevated D-dimer and a CT scan for possible PE, which was negative. US was done on the Gallbladder which is normal. After receiving multiple IVs to replace fluids and nutrients and morphine for the severe pain and a steady stream of physicians...I learned from them that the Endoscopy showed no cancer, which is a relief, but they think it is an Autoimmune Chronic Pancreatitis and those labs won't be back for 2 weeks. I just can't find many answers. Why was the D-dimer elevated which can indicate cancer or sepsis if not a PE. Why do I have no appetite and when I do eat, I have pain after wards. Do I need to change my diet or anything else. I was discharged home this evening and have several followup appointments scheduled. Anyway, I'm thankful for this group and sorry so many of us seem to have the underlying anxiety.
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4 Reactions@ladyaceintx1 Are the doctors sure the biopsy procedure itself didn’t cause the pancreatitis? EUS/FNA carries a small risk of causing pancreatitis.
Hi,
I already had a diagnosis of Chronic Pancreatitis and yes, the EUS with Biopsy did cause the Acute Pancreatitis which ended in a hospital admission on Thanksgiving day.. The physicians there think the Chronic pancreatitis is the autoimmune type and I have to wait 2 weeks for those results.
Thanks for your input.
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2 ReactionsMy husband had the ERCP & EUS the day before Thanksgiving and has been in patient since with Pancreatitis and infection.Just got a drain put in yesterday and it is really helping but alot of pain associated with the surgery too.
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2 ReactionsYes perhaps because he got it a few weeks prior too .But now it is necrotizing& infections .Seems to be improving now that they did a tissue removal.♥️🙏
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2 ReactionsNew update:
My ANA was positive and Igg 2 low which explains the long history of sinus infections and pharyngitis but the Igg 4 was normal. So my GI ordered a trial of Steroid medication to make a definitive diagnosis. He says if I don't have any symptoms or continued pain then that means I DO have an Autoimmune pancreatitis and he will reorder a CT or MRI in March to compare any shrinkage to the mass.
Now the normal side effects of a Steroid are great for me right now because I still don't feel hungry or have much appetite and my energy level has been incredibly low, plus after the hospital stay, I got an URI and my Asthma was triggered. So I'm hoping to feel better soon.
When the GI and I discussed what could be causing the pancreatic mass since at this time it is not cancer, he leaned toward the Steatosis. But doesn't that just suggest an autoimmune condition? Steatosis occurs when the body attacks the pancreas and it begins to lose its cells which are then replaced by fatty deposits aka fake cells and the pancreas can no longer produce either the hormones or the Digestive enzymes.
He wants to see me in March to reassess.
Any thoughts or information much appreciated.
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1 ReactionI am struggling with a “hurry up and wait” issue trying to have testing. In the mean while .. I’m losing weight. Uncontrolled diarrhea. Nausea. No appetite. Abdominal pain when I eat anything.
GI wants me taking ZenPep ($687 my part ..🤣). No way.
I purchased natural digestive enzymes at my local health / nutrition store. They help tremendously. You might try that while you await your test results. Lifting you in prayer.
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1 ReactionThose of you who have been diagnosed with cysts .. did you have any other type cysts or fatty tumors on your body or in your mouth ?
Due to the chronic uncontrolled diarrhea I have suffered with since 2000, I had to retire from teaching. The students ( studying health occupations/ medical terminology and procedure) we’re getting frequent lessons in bowel incontinence. I would take 30 minutes out of class to clean up and change. I am now fighting my personal disability insurance policy as they insist I can still teach .. just need a bathroom right outside my door. The ISD has told them I must monitor my classes by remaining in the room. The ISD says they personally don’t want their children in my class. They will not however assist me in my 6yr battle for disability pay. None of my doctors will step up and fight for me. AND there are few / if any attorneys who handle this type disability. I wish I had an att in the family to write a letter on my behalf.
Has anyone else had an issue with disability insurance. [this is not SSDI as I was too old when I retired to file for it ].
I also went to Adult Vocational Rehab / Texas to seek assistance with employment. 4 years later I discovered they should have sent me to Disability Rights TX and a federal disability program. Too late when I found out. Now …
How to you make a case against the State of Texas.
I’m told I need to reduce stresses. My stresses are …. When I leave home, will I return in the same clothes or will I embarrass myself and have to change. Also … I live in poverty because I retired before my retirement plan was fulfilled.
If anyone has suggestions… I’ll gladly read and contemplate.
Lifting y’all in prayer
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3 ReactionsI am so sorry to hear about your difficulties.
I thought of a couple of possibilities. Maybe you could google disability attorneys and contact them to see if they will take your case either pro bono or pay after a win. Even if they turn you down, they might be able to steer you to another source of help. There are kind people out there...Maybe, a faith-based law school might have someone to help you?
Maybe someone in your local government/mayor's office, or a state representative's office could help. I'm not sure about the structure of Texas government. Heck, maybe move to another state that treats its old people better.
Or maybe, the local librarian in the reference section could help you get some leads. It's been a long time since I've spoken with a reference librarian, but in the past the ones I've consulted have been doggedly determined to find an answer to my problem. They always seemed thrilled that someone actually asked them for help.
Maybe one of these possibilities will work for you. It sounds like kind of hard work to me, with low energy and everything so hard to accomplish...but maybe just one phone call would give you some results.
Prayed for you! Wishing you strength and peace and anything else you need!!
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