Viral exanthema as manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection: A case report

Medicine (Baltimore). 2020 Aug 28;99(35):e21810. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000021810.

Abstract

Rationale: The clinical manifestations of the SARS-CoV-2 infection are mainly respiratory but the virus can cause a variety of symptoms. Dermatological findings are less well-characterized. Data is scarce on their timing, type and correlation with the immune response.

Patient concerns: We present the case of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a previously healthy woman who presented with respiratory symptoms and developed anosmia, diarrhea, and an erythematous maculo-papular rash on day 15 from symptom onset.

Diagnosis: The nasopharyngeal swab tested by real time PCR for COVID-19 was positive. We interpreted this as a viral exanthema likely caused by an immune response to SARS-CoV-2 nucleotides.

Interventions: She was treated with Hydroxychloroquine, Azithromycin and Lopinavir/Ritonavir, and the rash with topical corticosteroids.

Outcomes: All symptoms resolved except for anosmia which persisted for 6 weeks. At the 4- and 6-weeks follow-up the IgG titers for SARS-CoV-2 were high.

Lessons: We must consider that SARS-CoV-2 has a multi-organ tropism. In our case, the SARS-CoV-2 infection had lung, nasopharyngeal, neurological, digestive, and skin manifestations. Identifying the different manifestations is useful for understanding the extent of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We not only present a rare manifestation but also suggest that cutaneous manifestations may correlate with immunity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Adult
  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage
  • Azithromycin / administration & dosage*
  • Betacoronavirus* / immunology
  • Betacoronavirus* / isolation & purification
  • COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Testing
  • Clinical Laboratory Techniques / methods
  • Coronavirus Infections* / diagnosis
  • Coronavirus Infections* / physiopathology
  • Coronavirus Infections* / therapy
  • Drug Combinations
  • Exanthema* / diagnosis
  • Exanthema* / drug therapy
  • Exanthema* / etiology
  • Exanthema* / immunology
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxychloroquine / administration & dosage*
  • Lopinavir / administration & dosage*
  • Pandemics*
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / diagnosis
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / physiopathology
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / therapy
  • Ritonavir / administration & dosage*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Symptom Assessment / methods
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Drug Combinations
  • Glucocorticoids
  • lopinavir-ritonavir drug combination
  • Lopinavir
  • Hydroxychloroquine
  • Azithromycin
  • Ritonavir