Concurrent dermatological manifestations, COVID-19 infection, and MDS/RCMD-RS: A unique case report

Amenah S. Abdulkareem, Department of internal medicine, Al-Zahraa college of medicine, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq.Follow
Qutaiba M. Alawaad, Department of internal medicine, Al-Zahraa college of medicine, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq.Follow
Asaad Khalaf, Basrah center of hematology, Al-Sayyab teaching hospital, Basrah, Iraq.Follow

Article Type

Case Report

Abstract

A 24-year-old male with refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia and ring sideroblasts (MDS/RCMD-RS) who developed severe dermatological manifestations concurrent with COVID-19 infection. The patient exhibited complex vasculitic and purpuric skin lesions, which were hypothesized to result from COVID-19-induced endothelitis and vasculitis, exacerbated by underlying immune dysfunction from MDS. Despite treatment with EPO therapy, cyclosporin, and supportive care, the patient's condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to fatal respiratory failure. The report underscores the interplay between hematologic malignancies, immune dysregulation, and COVID-19, highlighting the potential for exacerbated dermatological and systemic complications in such patients. This case emphasizes the need for heightened vigilance and tailored management strategies for MDS patients infected with COVID-19.

Keywords

Myelodysplastic syndrome, COVID-19, vasculitis, dermatological manifestations, immune dysfunction

Recommended Citation

Abdulkareem, Amenah S.; Alawaad, Qutaiba M.; and Khalaf, Asaad (2025) "Concurrent dermatological manifestations, COVID-19 infection, and MDS/RCMD-RS: A unique case report," Iraqi National Journal of Medicine: Vol. 7 : Iss. 2 , Article 5.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.37319/