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Autoimmune gastrointestinal dysmotility following SARS-CoV-2 infection successfully treated with intravenous immunoglobulin

Abstract:

Background: Autoimmune gastrointestinal dysmotility (AGID) is a limited form of dysautonomia that can be paraneoplastic or idiopathic. Some presentations can be preceded by a viral infection. Methods: We report a case of a 17-year-old girl that developed intractable nausea and early satiety after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Key results: Over ten months, she required nasogastric and nasoduodenal tube feedings and finally was advanced to total parenteral nutrition to meet her caloric needs. Her α3 nicotinic ganglionic acetylcholine and anti-striational antibodies were mildly elevated. Gastrointestinal transit scintigraphy studies showed delayed gastric emptying and slowed small bowel transit. Thermoregulatory sweat test showed areas of anhidrosis consistent with autonomic sudomotor impairment. After IVIG treatment the patient's symptoms improved dramatically and she was able to tolerate full oral diet. This was reflected by improvement of her baseline transit studies and the thermoregulatory sweat test. Conclusions and inferences: This is the first report of AGID occurring after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The dramatic response to IVIG emphasizes the importance of early recognition and the reversible and treatable nature of this condition.