Misdiagnosis During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case of Lymphoma Initially Diagnosed as Coronavirus Infection

Abstract

Introduction: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, physicians delivered a leading part and carried a high work volume, leading to burnout, which subsequently compromised patient safety, decreased the quality of care, and increased misdiagnosis. In the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, physicians should have been vigilant and informed about the potential conditions resulting in medical errors. Particularly, epidemics of infectious illnesses can cause serious challenges in lymphoma diagnosis. Case Presentation: This case report presents a patient with lymphoma presenting with cough, fever, shortness of breath, and a history of contact with her family members who tested positive for COVID-19, which caused delayed diagnosis and treatment, disease progression, and finally, the death of the patient. In the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the center of attention was detracted from other possible diagnoses, thereby missing lymphoma as a potentially treatable disease. Conclusions: Although physicians are required to be watchful for COVID-19 amid the pandemic, it is also necessary not to neglect other diseases. A delay in the initiation of cancer therapy, even for one month, has been reported to increase the risk of mortality by approximately 10%.