The Impact of COVID-19 on Dysphagia in a Steroid-Responsive Dermatomyositis Patient: A Case Report

Abstract

There have been no reported studies or case reports on the coexistence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients with dermatomyositis (DM) and its effect on swallowing. This is the first case report that addresses the impact of COVID-19 on dysphagia in a patient with DM. A 65-year-old male diagnosed with DM and undergoing steroid treatment contracted COVID-19. Subsequently, muscle power and creatine kinase levels improved, but dysphagia persisted, leading to nasogastric tube feeding. COVID-19 may hinder the recovery of dysphagia in steroid-responsive DM patients.