Indonesian Journal of Rheumatology
Vol. 17 No. 1 (2025): IJR VOL 17 No 1

New Onset Systemic Sclerosis-Polymyositis Overlap Syndrome FollowingSecond Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine – A Case Report

Raga Ginting , Andi (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
12 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus 2019 has been declared as a global emergency by theWorld Health Organization. Vaccination has been shown to be crucial during theCOVID-19 pandemic. However, as global vaccination programs are implemented,a number of COVID-19 vaccine-related side effects have lately been recorded,including new-onset autoimmune disease. Overlap syndrome is a medicaldisorder in which a patient has symptoms of at least two or more autoimmuneconnective tissue diseases that meet the clinical criteria. Case Presentation: A33-years-old woman with history of Graves’ disease presented with myalgia,proximal superior and inferior extremities muscle weakness, skin thickening inface and both superior and inferior extremities following the second dose ofinactivated whole virus COVID-19 vaccine. ANA test was found to be positive withno specific antibody related to disease and there was an increase in muscleenzyme. The patient was treated with combination of mycophenolic acid,methylprednisolone, nifedipine, vit D3 and curcuma. After 4 months of treatment,patient showed clinical improvement and decrease in muscle enzymes.Conclusion: Systemic Sclerosis-Polymyositis overlap syndrome is anautoimmune connective tissue disease that is frequently encountered inconjunction with myositis. The causes of autoimmune disease are multifaceted,involving genetic, environmental factors, and overstimulation of the immuneresponses. The relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and autoimmunedisease, especially systemic sclerosis-polymyositis overlap syndrome, stillrequires further study due to lack of reported evidence. 

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijr

Publisher

Subject

Medicine & Pharmacology

Description

Indonesian Journal of Rheumatology is a peer-reviewed open access journal on rheumatic diseases and connective tissue disorders. This is an official journal of Indonesian Rheumatology Associantion (IRA) and published twice a year since 2009. Our mission is to encourage the development of scientific ...