Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2025
The bm12 Inducible Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus SLE in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: November 1, 2015
Systemic lupus erythematosus after coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection: Case-based review
Shirin Assar1, Mehran Pournazari1, Parviz Soufivand1
1Rheumatology Department, Clinical Research Development Center, Imam Reza Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
Insights
COVID-19 infection can trigger autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Early recognition and treatment of SLE in COVID-19 patients are crucial for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a novel infectious disease with diverse clinical presentations.
- Emerging evidence suggests a link between COVID-19 and the development of autoimmune conditions.
- This case report focuses on the association between COVID-19 infection and the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case demonstrating the association between COVID-19 infection and the subsequent development of SLE.
- To highlight the clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings in a patient with COVID-19-induced SLE.
- To review similar cases and identify common patterns of SLE presentation post-COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- A case report of a 38-year-old woman presenting with SLE symptoms 18 days after confirmed COVID-19.
- Diagnostic workup included serological tests (ANA, anti-dsDNA, P-ANCA) and imaging (CT scans).
- Literature review of similar cases to determine the interval between COVID-19 and SLE onset, and common clinical features.
Main Results:
- The patient exhibited symptoms including jaundice, chest pain, dyspnea, photosensitivity, and arthralgia post-COVID-19.
- Laboratory tests revealed positive ANA, anti-dsDNA, and P-ANCA antibodies.
- The patient was diagnosed with SLE and showed significant improvement with immunosuppressive therapy (prednisolone, hydroxychloroquine, mycophenolate mofetil).
- Review of similar cases indicated a mean interval of 24.86 days between COVID-19 symptoms and SLE presentation, with pulmonary and renal involvement being most common.
Conclusions:
- Awareness of potential SLE development in COVID-19 patients is essential.
- Prompt diagnosis and timely treatment of SLE in the context of COVID-19 infection are critical for improving patient prognosis.
- This association underscores the complex interplay between viral infections and autoimmune disease pathogenesis.
Background:
Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a novel infectious disease, which presents with various clinical manifestations. There is growing evidence of an association between COVID-19 infection and autoimmune diseases. The aim of this case report was to demonstrate the association of COVID-19 infection and the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Case Presentation:
A 38 year old Iranian woman presented with progressive icterus, pleuritic chest pain, palpitation, dyspnea, photosensitivity and arthralgia 18-days after COVID-19 symptoms proved by a positive polymerized chain reaction (PCR). The chest and abdomen computerized tomography (CT) scan showed pericardial and pleural effusion and enlarged liver and abdominal lymph nodes. Antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (anti-ds DNA) antibody and perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (P-ANCA) were positive. She was diagnosed as SLE and was successfully treated with prednisolone 30 mg daily, hydroxychloroquine 200 mg daily and azathioprine 150 mg daily and she remarkably improved. Repeated anti-ds DNA antibody was positive. Due to nausea and abdominal discomfort, azathioprine was discontinued and replaced with mycophenolate mofetil 1500 mg daily. In the article, similar cases were presented; the mean interval between COVID symptoms and SLE presentations was 24.86 days. Pulmonary and renal involvements were the most common presentations of SLE triggered by COVID-19. The most frequently reported autoantibody was ANA.
Conclusion:
It is necessary to be aware of the development of lupus disease in COVID-19 infected patients, because prompt diagnosis and treatment is very important to improve their outcome.
More Related Videos
10:21Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of Inflammation in the Co-occurrence of Primary Sjogren's Syndrome and Lung Adenocarcinoma
Published on: September 20, 2024
09:43Analyses of Proteinuria, Renal Infiltration of Leukocytes, and Renal Deposition of Proteins in Lupus-prone MRL/lpr Mice
Published on: June 8, 2022
