Diagnostic and prognostic values of cutaneous manifestations in <scp>COVID</scp> ‐19

Abstract

Diagnostic and prognostic values of cutaneous manifestations in COVID-19 Dear Editor, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a significant global concern owing to the widespread transmission and development of severe symptoms in a relatively high proportion of infected individuals. Patients with COVID-19 manifest a clinical spectrum ranging from asymptomatic disease to acute respiratory distress syndrome. The disease also affects multiple organ systems owing to uncontrolled release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, resulting in clinical presentations other than respiratory symptoms. 1 Skin is one of the organ systems involved in patients with COVID-19. Different cutaneous lesions have been increasingly associated with the disease in the literature; however, their prevalence and clinical value remain inconclusive. Regarding classification of cutaneous presentations, Galvn Casas et al categorized skin lesions of COVID-19 based on their clinical patterns into five types: (a) acral areas of erythema with vesicles or pustules (pseudochilblain); (b) other vesicular eruptions; (c) urticarial lesions; (d) maculopapular eruptions; and (e) livedo or necrosis. 2 Besides, Suchonwanit et al proposed that cutaneous manifestations in COVID-19 may be classified into two major forms according to their pathomechanisms: (a) clinical features that indicate viral exanthems and (b) vasculopathy-related skin lesions, especially vasculitis and thrombotic vasculopathy. 3 Both clinical and pathophysiologic classifications may elucidate the diagnostic and prognostic values of cutaneous eruptions occurring in patients with COVID-19.

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