A Lethal Case of Acute Exacerbation of Rheumatoid Arthritis – Related Interstitial Lung Disease Induced by the COVID Vaccine.

Abstract

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) exacerbation is a serious condition that can have a high morbidity and mortality. Identifying the triggers of ILD exacerbations is very challenging. Several case reports described COVID-19 vaccine-induced exacerbation of underlying interstitial lung disease, namely idiopathic interstitial pneumonias. The clinical implications of this adverse effect is underrecognized. We are reporting a case of fatal respiratory failure in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis Interstitial Lung disease few days following the second dose of COVID vaccine. Identifying risk factors of this complication is of utmost importance to aid in the rapid recognition and early initiation of treatment.