Journal of Inflammation Research (Nov 2022)
Dermatomyositis Flare After a COVID-19 Infection Successfully Treated with Rituximab: A Case Report and Literature Review
Abstract
Ahmed Mohammed Albakri, Ahmed Hussein Subki, Abdurahman Albeity, Hussein Halabi Department of Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Ahmed Hussein Subki; Hussein Halabi, Department of Internal Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, POBox: 43129, Jeddah, 21561, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966566724288, Email [email protected]; [email protected]: Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there has been a sudden surge in the incidence of several immune-mediated diseases, including dermatomyositis. The reported cases of COVID-19-related dermatomyositis are heterogeneous in their clinical presentation and implemented therapies.Case Study: We report a 23-year-old female patient diagnosed with a 3-year history of dermatomyositis. She has been well-controlled on maintenance therapy. However, 6 weeks after a mild COVID-19 infection, she developed a dermatomyositis flare. She improved only after aggressive treatment with pulse steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and rituximab.Conclusion: Exacerbation of dermatomyositis can be encountered following a COVID-19 infection, even if the infection is mild. Aggressive therapy should be considered in such cases. The prognosis, however, is generally favorable.Keywords: COVID-19 infection, dermatomyositis, Rituximab
