From Raynaud Phenomenon to Systemic Sclerosis in COVID-19: A Case Report

Giuggioli, Dilia; Spinella, Amelia; de Pinto, Marco; Teresa, Mascia Maria; Salvarani, Carlo

ABSTRACT: A novel SARS-CoV-2 infection, causing the disease designated as COVID-19 principally affecting the respiratory tract, lung at alveolar and interstitial levels, has recently emerged. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective disease characterized by vascular abnormalities and diffuse and progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Raynaud phenomenon occurs in virtually all patients affected by SSc and in most cases represents the onset symptom of the disease, since it could appear several years before the overt illness. Although the exact pathophysiologic pathways leading to RP and SSc are still unknown, several infectious agents, especially viruses, have been suggested as possible triggering factors. Here authors describe the first case of a Raynaud phenomenon secondary to Systemic sclerosis following SARS-CoV2 infection.