Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione Istituto G. Giglio, Contrada Pietra Pollastra Pisciotto, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
Endrit Shahini
Division of Gastroenterology, National Institute of Research “Saverio De Bellis”, Via Turi, 27, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy
Federica Crispino
Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infant Care, Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
Ina Macaione
Surgery Unit, Fondazione Istituto G. Giglio, Contrada Pietra Pollastra Pisciotto, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
Valentina Guarnotta
Section of Endocrinology, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal-Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Specialties of Excellence “G.D’Alessandro” (PROMISE), University Hospital P. Giaccone, University of Palermo, Piazza Delle Cliniche 2, 90133 Palermo, Italy
Marta Marasà
Radiology Unit, Fondazione Istituto G. Giglio, Contrada Pietra Pollastra Pisciotto, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
Sergio Testai
Radiology Unit, Fondazione Istituto G. Giglio, Contrada Pietra Pollastra Pisciotto, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
Socrate Pallio
Endoscopy Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, AOUP Policlinico G. Martino, 98122 Messina, Italy
The outbreak of COVID-19, initially developed in China in early December 2019, has rapidly spread to other countries and represents a public health emergency of international concern. COVID-19 has caused great concern about respiratory symptoms, but it is worth noting that it can also affect the gastrointestinal tract. However, the data on pancreatic involvement during SARS-CoV-2 infection are limited. The prevalence and severity of pancreatic damage and acute pancreatitis, as well as its pathophysiology, are still under debate. Moreover, the possible implication of pancreatic damage as an apparent adverse effect of COVID-19 therapies or vaccines are issues that need to be addressed. Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic has generated delays and organizational consequences for pancreatic surgery, an element that represent indirect damage from COVID-19. This narrative review aims to summarize and analyze all the aspects of pancreatic involvement in COVID-19 patients, trying to establish the possible underlying mechanisms and scientific evidence supporting the association between COVID-19 and pancreatic disease.
