Acute Hemorrhagic Edema following COVID-19 Infection

Abstract

Background: Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy (AHEI) is an immune complex-mediated leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Despite its worrisome appearance, it has a benign disease course with rare systemic involvement. Clinical Description: A 25-month-old male patient was brought to the pediatric outpatient clinic with a pink oval-shaped plaque-like rash all over the body and edema on the lower extremities and left auricle. The child was diagnosed as a case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) 5 days before the present complaints. History and physical examination were otherwise unremarkable. Because of the patient's age, the purpuric appearance of lesions, distribution pattern of the rashes, localized edema, and no end-organ involvement, a possibility of AHEI, triggered by COVID-19, was considered and the patient was evaluated for the same. Management and Conclusions: The patient recovered in 15 days with no end-organ involvement. He was advised to continue regular follow-ups to look for long-term complications. AHEI is a benign condition which may occur in children following COVID-19 infection. It is essential to recognize the condition to avoid unnecessary investigations and treatment.