Paraspinal Myositis in Patients with COVID-19 Infection

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Myalgia is a known symptom of COVID-19.
• Paraspinal myositis has not been previously reported in COVID-19 patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report MR imaging findings of paraspinal myositis in patients with COVID-19.
• To determine the frequency of paraspinal myositis in a cohort of COVID-19 patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of MR imaging of the spine.
• Inclusion of 9 patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection.
• Analysis of imaging for evidence of paraspinal myositis (edema/enhancement).

Main Results:

• 7 out of 9 COVID-19 patients (78%) showed MR imaging evidence of paraspinal myositis.
• Paraspinal myositis was characterized by intramuscular edema and/or enhancement.
• Five of the seven patients with paraspinal myositis had prolonged hospital stays (>25 days).

Conclusions:

• Paraspinal myositis is a relatively frequent finding in COVID-19 patients undergoing spinal MR imaging.
• Clinicians should be aware of this potential manifestation of COVID-19.
• Further research is needed to understand the clinical significance and implications of paraspinal myositis in COVID-19.