Severe Lower Limb Edema Complicating COVID-19 in a Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient: A Case Report

COVID-19 is primarily associated with acute respiratory symptoms but can also cause non-respiratory complications, such as lower limb edema. The mechanisms behind this remain unclear, posing diagnostic challenges for clinicians.

A 73-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis developed severe lower limb edema following COVID-19. The edema, attributed to systemic inflammation and hypoalbuminemia, was successfully treated with corticosteroids and diuretics.

This case highlights the importance of a thorough differential diagnosis of lower limb edema post-COVID-19. After excluding thrombosis and lymphedema, we concluded that systemic inflammation and hypoalbuminemia were the primary contributors. Thus, early recognition and targeted treatment are crucial for managing such cases.