Successful treatment of COVID-19 induced neutrophilic myositis with intravenous immunoglobulin and corticosteroids: a case report

• Published in: Reumatismo Vol. 73; no. 4
• Main Authors: Assar, S, Pournazari, M, Soufivand, P, Mohamadzadeh, D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Italian
• Published: Italy PAGEPress Publications 07.02.2022
• Subjects: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulins; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous - therapeutic use; intravenous immunoglobulins; Middle Aged; Myositis - drug therapy; neutrophilic myositis; SARS-CoV-2
• ISSN: 0048-7449; 2240-2683
• DOI: 10.4081/reumatismo.2021.1437

Neutrophilic myositis (NM) is an inflammatory disorder predominantly characterized by neutrophilic infiltration in the muscles, which is suggested to be an extracutaneous manifestation of neutrophilic dermatosis (ND). NM is a rare disorder which has been occasionally reported in association with hematologic and inflammatory disorders. This case report describes a 45-year-old woman who presented with gradual muscle weakness developed after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Electromyography and nerve conduction velocity findings were compatible with inflammatory myopathy and muscle biopsy revealed neutrophilic infiltration. She was successfully treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, prednisolone 1 mg/kg/day and azathioprine 150 mg/day. In conclusion, the COVID-19 infection itself and the drugs used to treat it can cause a number of muscle disorders. Awareness of muscular involvement in COVID-19 infected patients is important for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.