We report the case of an 11-year-old female child diagnosed with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Her initial systemic symptoms were compatible with a Covid-19 infection although two PCRs on naso-pharyngeal swabs were negative. A serological assay showed doubtful IgG results. She presented concomitant typical malar rash with anti-nuclear antibodies present at a dilution of 1:1250. Histologic and immunofluorescence examinations of skin biopsies were positive for lupus erythematosus.
Considering that viral infection can be responsible for autoimmune disease outbreaks and with increasing evidences of SARS-CoV-2 actions on human inflammatory and immune systems, we discuss here a potential cSLE diagnosis triggered by Covid-19 infection.
KEY WORDS : systemic lupus erythematosus, Covid-19, autoimmunity , viral infection, inflammatory reaction
Axel DE GREEF