Clinical and radiological evaluation of systemic lupus erythematosus, Research question: Evaluation of lupus cases in corona infection

Abstract

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by periods of remission followed by acute attacks. Its diagnosis is based on several criteria, the most recent of which is the European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology (EULAR/ACR) criteria, which is based on clinical manifestations in addition to a positive ANA titer. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 385 patients at Al-Mowasat University Hospital, extending retrospectively from 2020 to the last month of 2023. The study included lupus patients who had pathological radiological findings based on clinical and laboratory signs and according to the international standards adopted in 2019. The focus was on studying lupus patients who developed COVID-19 during 2021-2022, with a total of 95 cases. The sample was selected from patients with proven lupus infection with a positive COVID-PCR, while patients whose study was not fully completed were excluded. Results: It was noted that clinical symptoms and radiological manifestations worsened in COVID patients who had a previous and chronic infection with systemic lupus erythematosus compared to COVID patients who did not have lupus. The study confirmed parenchymal infection in most cases in lupus and the appearance of typical signs in the stratified layer diagnostic of Corona, which are: the spread of glass-covered densities in the peripheral sections The background of the lungs with multiple focal condensations 92% in patients with Covid with a previous infection with lupus in addition to thickening of the diaphragm 65% with bronchiectasis 33% and enlargement of the mediastinal phlegm nodules 35% Conclusion: Lupus is a multisystemic disease that requires accurate diagnosis and follow-up, the necessity and use of appropriate radiological methods for diagnosis, not neglecting any complaint in lupus patients, and attention to the areas of Covid in lupus patients.