Long COVID from rheumatology perspective - a narrative review

Clin Rheumatol. 2022 Feb;41(2):337-348. doi: 10.1007/s10067-021-06001-1. Epub 2021 Nov 30.

Abstract

Long-term sequel of acute COVID-19, commonly referred to as long COVID, has affected millions of patients worldwide. Long COVID patients display persistent or relapsing and remitting symptoms that include fatigue, breathlessness, cough, myalgia, arthralgia, sleep disturbance, cognitive impairment and skin rashes. Due to the shared clinical features, laboratory and imaging findings, long COVID could mimic rheumatic disease posing a diagnostic challenge. Our comprehensive literature review will help rheumatologist to be aware of long COVID manifestations and differentiating features from rheumatic diseases to ensure a timely and correct diagnosis is reached.

Keywords: Long COVID; Post COVID-19 condition; Post-COVID-19 syndrome; Rheumatology; Systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / complications
  • Humans
  • Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
  • Rheumatic Diseases* / complications
  • Rheumatic Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Rheumatology*
  • SARS-CoV-2