Severe post-COVID-19 costochondritis in children

Collins, Reagan A.; Ray, Nandini; Ratheal, Kelly; Colon, Athos

Although children comprise the fewest cases of COVID-19 infection, symptoms, and complications among the various age groups affected, new long-term consequences are being reported. Here, we report a case of severe costochondritis unresponsive to traditional management in a child who had COVID-19 infection a few months earlier. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of post-COVID-19 costochondritis (PCC) that has been successfully managed with colchicine. We recommend the consideration of colchicine as therapy for PCC in children presenting with severe musculoskeletal chest pain unresponsive to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids. Physicians should maintain a high clinical suspicion for PCC to prevent unnecessary steroid treatment, frequent emergency department visits, and potential for drug abuse in these patients with severe chest pain.