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Current Rheumatology Reviews

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1573-3971
ISSN (Online): 1875-6360

Case Report

Bilateral Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Heads After COVID-19 Infection without Steroid Treatment

Author(s): Adel Elbialy, Mona Mokhtar Elmetwally Megahed, Amira Shahin Ibrahim, Aml Mohamed Elmesiry, Maha Salah Eldin Mohamed, Mohamed Magdy Ghit, Yasser Abdel Motaleb Gazar and Seham Abdallah Elazab*

Volume 20, Issue 4, 2024

Published on: 20 October, 2023

Page: [465 - 468] Pages: 4

DOI: 10.2174/0115733971259997231012101534

Price: $65

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Abstract

Background: Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a potentially serious multifactorial disease. In COVID-19 patients, AVN of many bones has been reported. Usually, the condition is linked to steroid therapy. In this case report, we describe our experience with bilateral AVN of femoral heads in an elderly patient months after being cured of COVID-19 infection without the use of steroids.

Case Presentation: A 68-year-old male was referred to the outpatient clinic of the rheumatology and rehabilitation department for progressive bilateral hip pain starting on the left side 5 months ago. An extensive review of the patient’s medical history identified documented COVID-19 infection that required hospitalization 9 months before presentation. Multiplanar MRI with fat suppression of both hips showed ill-defined areas of abnormal signal intensity affecting the left femoral head, neck and intertrochanteric regions with associated subchondral fissuring and mild joint effusion. A similar smaller area was also seen affecting the postero-superior aspect of the right femoral head.

Conclusion: AVN in COVID-19 patients can be encountered even in the absence of steroid therapy.

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