Non-pulmonary involvement in COVID-19: A systemic disease rather than a pure respiratory infection

World J Clin Cases. 2023 Jan 26;11(3):493-505. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i3.493.

Abstract

During the early phase of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), diagnosis was difficult due to the diversity in symptoms and imaging findings and the variability of disease presentation. Pulmonary manifestations are reportedly the main clinical presentations of COVID-19 patients. Scientists are working hard on a myriad of clinical, epidemiological, and biological aspects to better understand SARS-CoV-2 infection, aiming to mitigate the ongoing disaster. Many reports have documented the involvement of various body systems and organs apart from the respiratory tract including the gastrointestinal, liver, immune system, renal, and neurological systems. Such involvement will result in diverse presentations related to effects on these systems. Other presentations such as coagulation defects and cutaneous manifestation may also occur. Patients with specific comorbidities including obesity, diabetes, and hypertension have increased morbidity and mortality risks with COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; Clinical manifestations; Extrapulmonary; Non-pulmonary; Systemic disease.

Publication types

  • Review