The first non-radiographic axial spondyloarthrits with COVID-19

Case report of a 21-year-old female developing non-radiographic axialspondyloarthritis in the setting of a preceding severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We felt this was a unique case as some cases of psoriatic arthropathy and reactive arthropathy but none, to our knowledge of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.

Twenty one-year-old female presented in June 2020 with inflammatory symptoms with general work-up per primary care provider being negative. Upon further work-up per Rheumatology, felt to have inflammatory back pain with X-rays of SI joints showing grade II sclerosis. Further work-up including magnetic resonance imaging was positive demonstrating bone edema and erosions of SI joint. This prompted further investigation and she had had some vague symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 several months prior including loss of smell, fatigue, and malaise. SARS-CoV-2 semiquanitative antibodies where done that where high positive. She was treated with cetrolizumab and had prompt improvement over the course of the next week.

Mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 triggering autoimmunity is still unknown at this time. However, it is important that insights be gained into the type of disease that can be triggered by this infection. As the pandemic continues to rage on, Rheumatologist need to be increasing aware that patients presenting with various forms of inflammatory arthritis may be triggered by an antecedent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Following these cases may help to determine how they differ from other forms of inflammatory arthropathy.