Carboplatin/paclitaxel COVID-19 induced neutropenic enterocolitis : case reportA 72-year-old man developed COVID-19 induced neutropenic enterocolitis during treatment with carboplatin and paclitaxel for stage III poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the lower oesophagus and gastroesophageal junction.The man, who had stage III poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the lower oesophagus and gastroesophageal junction, had been receiving neoadjuvant radiation therapy, paclitaxel [taxol] and carboplatin [doses and routes not stated] on weekly basis. He presented with nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, hypotension and a fever of 104°F. He was pancytopenic and his absolute neutrophil count was low at 1.64 K/µL. A CT of the chest/abdomen/pelvis with contrast revealed a significant amount of new portal venous gas with abnormal mucosal enhancement and oedema in the ileum, cecum and ascending colon along with air within the mesenteric vessels. The findings were highly concerning for bowel ischaemia. The CT scan showed completely clear lungs. His abdominal pain and distension worsened necessitating surgery. Prior to the surgery, he tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. Repeat CT scan showed spontaneous resolution of the portal venous gas within hours of his initial CT. An exploratory laparotomy showed a 90cm long thickened ileus, consistent with neutropenic enterocolitis. A complete infectious work up yielded negative results; only the COVID-19 test was positive.The man received treatment with unspecified antibiotics; however, his condition did not improve. Thus, he was diagnosed with COVID-19 induced neutropenic enterocolitis [durations of treatments to reactions onsets and outcomes not stated].
