New-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Manifestation Following COVID-19: A Case Report and Literature Review

Yuya Sumichika; Jumpei Temmoku; Kenji Saito; Shuhei Yoshida; Haruki Matsumoto; Guy Watanabe; Akihito Utsumi; Yuya Fujita; Naoki Matsuoka; Tomoyuki Asano; Shuzo Sato; Kiyoshi Migita

doi:10.2169/internalmedicine.3211-23

Yuya Sumichika, Jumpei Temmoku, Kenji Saito, Shuhei Yoshida, Haruki Matsumoto, Guy Watanabe, Akihito Utsumi, Yuya Fujita, Naoki Matsuoka, Tomoyuki Asano, Shuzo Sato, Kiyoshi Migita

Author information

Yuya Sumichika
Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
Jumpei Temmoku
Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
Kenji Saito
Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
Shuhei Yoshida
Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
Haruki Matsumoto
Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
Guy Watanabe
Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
Akihito Utsumi
Department of Diagnostic Pathology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Japan
Yuya Fujita
Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
Naoki Matsuoka
Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
Tomoyuki Asano
Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
Shuzo Sato
Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
Kiyoshi Migita
Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Japan

Keywords: coronavirus disease 2019, systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune disease, case report, literature review

JOURNAL OPEN ACCESS Advance online publication

Article ID: 3211-23

DOI https://doi.org/10.2169/internalmedicine.3211-23

Details

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory viral disease, and several cases of autoimmune diseases have been reported after infection. This report presents the case of a 38-year-old Japanese woman who developed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) following COVID-19. Clinical manifestations included dermatological complications, joint pain, and positive autoantibodies. The patient met the SLE classification criteria, and renal involvement was observed. Her symptoms improved with immunosuppressive therapy. A literature review identified 10 similar cases, those with lymphopenia and renal involvement. SLE should be considered in patients with persistent nonspecific symptoms after COVID-19 infection, particularly when hematologic and renal involvement are present.

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