Erythema nodosum in Behçet’s disease in remission: Think COVID-19?

• Published in: SAGE Open Medical Case Reports
• Main Authors: Georges El Hasbani, Ali SM Jawad, Imad Uthman
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publishing 2023-02-01
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1177/2050313X231154316

The coronavirus disease has several manifestations related to the activation of the immune system. Because of such activation, autoimmune diseases, including vasculitis, have been reported to occur. Behçet’s disease, a variable vessel vasculitis, has been discussed in the context of coronavirus disease. Rarely, the induction of Behçet’s disease flare or exacerbation has been reported necessitating aggressive treatment. The presentation of Behçet’s disease flares secondary to coronavirus disease is variable, including mucocutaneous lesions and eye or joint involvement. We highlight the case of a 35-year-old woman with pre-existing Behçet’s disease in remission on colchicine presenting with new onset erythema nodosum-like lesions on her right shin being diagnosed with coronavirus disease infection a few days after. Despite treatment with systemic corticosteroid, the lesions did not resolve, necessitating the initiation of anti-interleukin-6 therapy.