COVID-19 related calcific myositis cases

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Infectious Diseases
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Calcific myositis is a rare musculoskeletal condition characterized by calcium hydroxyapatite crystal deposition in skeletal muscle.
• The association between COVID-19 infection and calcific myositis has not been previously well-documented in medical literature.

Observation:

• Two cases of COVID-19 related calcific myositis were observed during the initial pandemic peak.
• Both cases presented with similar clinical and radiological findings, specifically affecting the shoulder and upper limb girdle.

Findings:

• The observed cases suggest a potential link between COVID-19 infection and the development of calcific myositis.
• These findings indicate that COVID-19 calcific myopathy may manifest as a cause of prolonged musculoskeletal symptoms.

Implications:

• Recognizing COVID-19 calcific myopathy is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of patients with persistent shoulder and upper limb pain post-infection.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathophysiology and prevalence of this novel entity.