Case series of acute appendicitis association with SARS-CoV-2 infection

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Describe the indications for surgical interventions in asymptomatic patients with SARS-CoV-2. We are unaware of previous reports of an association between SARS-CoV-2 and acute appendicitis. METHODS: We performed a single institution retrospective review of SARS-CoV-2 pre-procedure testing and indications for surgical intervention. Statistical comparisons were performed using Chi Square analysis or two-tailed Student T test. RESULTS: We report a high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in both all testing and pre-procedure testing during the enrollment period. We observe a high prevalence of acute appendicitis among patients identified to be SARS-CoV-2 positive during pre-procedure testing and without recognized symptoms of COVID19. CONCLUSION: We report a previously unrecognized association between SARS-CoV-2 and acute appendicitis.