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Dermatomyositis Flare After a COVID-19 Infection Successfully Treated with Rituximab: A Case Report and Literature
Ahmed Mohammed Albakri1, Ahmed Hussein Subki1, Abdurahman Albeity1
1Department of Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Introduction:
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.
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