Is Magnetic Resonance Imaging Play a role in aiding the diagnostic value of COVID-19 Musculoskeletal induced pathologies?

Document Type : Original research articles

Authors

Diagnostic Radiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the seventh strain identified within the coronavirus family capable of infecting humans, is responsible for the onset of COVID-19 infection. Although musculoskeletal (MSK) manifestations frequently emerge as among the initial symptoms of COVID-19, their documentation remains comparatively limited, possibly resulting in their under recognition. Acute MSK symptoms, which manifest within a span of four weeks post-infection, typically encompass generalized fatigue and myalgia, exhibiting nonspecific characteristics.
Objectives: This study’s goal is the use of MRI examination for evaluation of the different musculoskeletal pathologies in complaining COVID-19 patients.
Patients and Methods: In this prospective study, which included 30 patients confirmed with COVID-19 through December 2023 to May 2024, MRI was tailored based on the area of interest depending on patient’s complaint.
Results: Among the enrolled patients, myalgia was the most common presentation (36.7%), the most common MRI finding was synovitis and effusion (33.3%), and the least common was bone infarction (10%), with knee joint being the most commonly affected joint.
Conclusion: Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, either with or without contrast can help diagnosis and assessment of COVID-19 symptoms and consequences affecting the musculoskeletal system.

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