engleski

Post-Covid syndrome: onset of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis following Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection

Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus responsible for COVID-19 disease that has rapidly become a major public health concern. In addition to viral pneumonia, which is the most common manifestation of the disease, infected patients increasingly presented with post-COVID-19 syndrome. Post-COVID- 19 syndrome is characterized by various general symptoms and multi-organ manifestations 4 to 12 weeks after acute phase. Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic and chronic inflammatory disease that causes joint damage, and it can occur as a part of post-COVID-19 syndrome. A 62-year-old male presented with symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis after moderate COVID-19 infection. Patient complained of morning joints stiffness, pain and swelling in bilateral radiocarpal joints, then in bilateral metacarpophalangeal joints and in right knee and right talocrural joint. His laboratory findings revealed negative rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP negative, negative antinuclear antibody, anti-dsDNA negative and C-reactive protein slightly elevated. Ultrasound revealed synovial effusion, synovitis and hypertrophy of affected joints. Diagnosis of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis was established. Glucocorticoids and methotrexate therapy was initiated. The patient responded well to therapy and reported a reduction of symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis, which is thought to occur in genetically predisposed individuals when exposed to an external factor, such as viral, bacterial disease or stress, may occur as a manifestation of the post-COVID-19 syndrome. Ultrasound of the locomotor system plays an important role in the diagnosis. Rheumatoid arthritis issuccessfully treated with disease modifying therapies in addition to regular monitoring by a rheumatologist.

post-COVID-19, seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, ultrasound

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