Post-COVID-19 Polymyositis: A Case Report

Abstract

Post-Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) development of polymyositis is rare, with very few cases documented in the literature. In patients developing vague symptoms after recovery from COVID-19, it is important to investigate all avenues, including the possibility of polymyositis. Polymyositis is typically characterized as symmetrical muscle weakness and histological, electrical, and chemical evidence of muscle injury. Patients identified can be treated with immunosuppressants to return some quality of life and prevent disease progression. In this report, we describe a 58-year-old Caucasian male who presented with symptoms of weakness, myalgias, and arthralgias, six months after recovering from flu-like symptoms of COVID-19. The patient was tested for other autoimmune etiologies and myopathies without positive results. He was treated with prednisone and reported moderate improvement in symptoms. Unfortunately, the patient declined a muscle biopsy or electromyographic testing. According to the criteria for polymyositis set by the Myositis Association and the response to therapy, the patient's symptoms pointed to a likely diagnosis of post-COVID-19 polymyositis.