Hypoxic respiratory failure in acute appendicitis: A bronchoperitoneal fistula as the presenting symptom of appendicitis in the setting of pediatric COVID-19

Abstract

Symptomatic COVID-19 less frequently affects the pediatric population and is often associated with atypical presenting symptoms. Here we describe a nine-year-old patient who presented with acute hypoxic respiratory failure and was found to have perforated appendicitis, intra-abdominal abscess, and bronchoperitoneal fistula. The rapid progression of this pathology, complex critical care decision making, and ultimate surgical management has not been previously described. Documenting this patient's clinical course and effective treatments may serve to inform and guide the medical community and pediatric care providers as the world continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords

• Pediatric surgery
• Bronchoperitoneal fistula
• Pediatric COVID-19