COVID-19-Related Acalculous Groove Pancreatitis

INTRODUCTION: Groove pancreatitis is a rare form of chronic pancreatitis. Its radiological diagnosis is challenging and it can be difficult to distinguish from pancreaticoduodenal malignancy. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 64-year-old woman was admitted to our internal medicine ward after she contracted severe COVID-19 pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation. She presented with right upper abdominal pain, and a CT scan showed pancreaticoduodenal inflammatory tissue; malignancy was ruled out. CONCLUSION: Diagnosing groove pancreatitis is challenging and malignancy must be quickly excluded. No cases of COVID-19-associated groove pancreatitis have been previously described. LEARNING POINTS: Groove or paraduodenal pancreatitis is a rare form of chronic pancreatitis, and usually associated with alcohol use. The differential diagnosis includes pancreaticobiliary and duodenal malignancies. Radiological diagnosis is challenging and treatment is usually supportive.