Case Report: Rowell Syndrome-Like Flare of Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Following COVID-19 Infection

February 2022 in “ Frontiers in Medicine ”

Kossara Drenovska, Martin Shahid, Valeria Mateeva, Snejina Vassileva

cutaneous lupus erythematosus CLE Rowell syndrome COVID-19 erythema multiforme diffuse hair loss cicatricial alopecia topical corticosteroids systemic corticosteroids hydroxychloroquine SARS-CoV-2 autoimmune skin conditions lupus hair loss alopecia steroids Plaquenil

TLDR COVID-19 may trigger severe skin flare-ups in people with autoimmune conditions like lupus.

A 67-year-old woman with chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) experienced a Rowell syndrome-like flare after a mild COVID-19 infection, presenting with erythematous, scaly, and annular lesions, and erythema multiforme-like lesions. Clinical, histopathologic, and immunofluorescence findings confirmed the diagnosis. Treatment with systemic methylprednisolone and hydroxychloroquine led to significant improvement, and the patient remained in clinical remission for 6 months with maintenance therapy. This case suggests that COVID-19 may exacerbate CLE due to immune responses triggered by the virus.

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Case Report: Rowell Syndrome-Like Flare of Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Following COVID-19 Infection

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research Exacerbation of Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Following Vaccination with BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccine

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