Rash in COVID-19

Shravan Kooragayalu

doi:10.31579/2690-8808/018

Abstract

In December 2019, unexplained cases of pneumonia were reported in Wuhan, China. A novel coronavirus named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS CoV-2) was isolated from respiratory tract of patients, and the resultant disease was termed as COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) (Jin YH 2020). COVID-19 has spread throughout china and across the world and it was declared as a pandemic by March 11th 2020 (Ng OT 2020). Running Title: COVID-19 is a systemic disease that could affect almost all parts of the body but it primarily affects the respiratory system. There is very limited data in the literature about the dermatological manifestations of COVID-19. An interesting case of skin rash in a patient who was critically ill with COVID-19 is presented here. The skin rash improved after short course of treatment with steroids. It is recommended that clinicians have a high index of suspicion to COVID-19 disease in patients who develop unexplainable rash.

Highlights

COVID-19 is a systemic disease that could affect almost any organ of the body but it primarily affects the respiratory system
An interesting case of skin rash in a patient who was critically ill with COVID-19 is presented here
His chest x ray revealed diffuse bilateral patchy opacities and a Computed Tomography of the chest with contrast confirmed the X-ray findings and showed extensive bilateral pulmonary embolic disease. He developed worsening hypoxic respiratory failure and he underwent endotracheal intubation. He was started on broad spectrum antibiotics including vancomycin, cefepime and azithromycin

Summary

Introduction

COVID-19 is a systemic disease that could affect almost any organ of the body but it primarily affects the respiratory system. A 55-year-old man presented to the hospital with difficulty breathing, cough and fevers for 3 days His chest x ray revealed diffuse bilateral patchy opacities and a Computed Tomography of the chest with contrast confirmed the X-ray findings and showed extensive bilateral pulmonary embolic disease. He developed worsening hypoxic respiratory failure and he underwent endotracheal intubation. He was started on broad spectrum antibiotics including vancomycin, cefepime and azithromycin. On day 8 day of hospitalization patient developed a diffuse, erythematous and pustular rash which was blanching in nature and was located predominantly in the upper torso, abdomen, upper back and upper thighs. The overall clinical status of the patient improved, he was extubated and discharged home on day 17 after admission

Discussion

Conclusion