Post-COVID-19 Syndrome Associated With Multiple Autoimmune Diseases (DM I—LADA, Chronic Autoimmune Thyroiditis and Pernicious Anemia): Case Report

Abstract

COVID-19, a global epidemic of infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), not only initially refers to acute manifestations but also chronic symptoms known as Long COVID-19. Long COVID-19 represents a significant burden to healthcare systems worldwide. This syndrome encompasses a wide range of continuing health problems with variable durations and consequences for patients’ everyday lives. A notable aspect of Long COVID-19 is the emergence of new-onset autoimmune diseases that could be triggered in predisposed patients with altered immune responses. Common autoimmune conditions that arise in post-COVID patients include autoimmune hemolytic anemia, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, autoimmune thyroid diseases, Kawasaki disease, Guillain-Barre syndrome, etc., but with unclear evidence of associated disease occurrence. We present a case of a female rheumatoid arthritis patient who developed autoimmune thyroid disease, latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA), and pernicious anemia after SARS-CoV-2 infection.