A case of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection with negative nasopharyngeal PCR in pregnancy

Abstract

Objectives SARS-CoV-2 remains a pressing issue for our obstetric community during the current pandemic. We present a case of a 22-year-old nulliparous woman 31 weeks pregnant, with significant clinical SARS-CoV-2 disease, in the setting of negative nasopharyngeal PCR testing but positive IgG antibodies. Case presentation This was a 22-year-old patient 31 weeks pregnant who presented with fever, tachycardia, and subsequently preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and pulmonary emboli with multifocal pneumonia. The patient underwent three negative SARS-CoV-2 tests via nasopharyngeal PCR testing during her hospital stay as well as a negative workup for fever. After a cesarean section for worsening maternal status after 7 days of hospitalization, the patient was admitted for worsening clinical status to the SICU. At the time of SICU admission patient was found to have serum IgG positive antibodies and was managed with intubation, antibiotics, and anticoagulation. Patient eventually left hospital against medical advice on hospital day 16 on oral antibiotics but was found to be recovering well at later outpatient follow up. Conclusions Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 remains a complicated picture in the setting of testing limitations. This case highlights an antepartum clinical presentation of severe SARS-CoV-2 and recommends a high clinical suspicion for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 and initiation of treatment in the pregnant population, even in the presence of negative nasopharyngeal PCR testing.