Unravelling Beau's Lines as a Potential Indicator of Severe Immune Response in Covid-19 and Reinfection.

BACKGROUND

Beau's lines are transverse grooves in the nail plate that result from transient interruption of the growth of the proximal nail matrix. These rare nail disorders can be triggered mostly by infections or systemic diseases.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We describe a 65-year-old man who presented with nail changes on all fingernails. The patient, a non-smoker with no medication history, had severe immune responses during two hospitalisations, 9 and 4 months ago, for COVID-19. Both hospitalisations were accompanied by markedly elevated interleukin-6 levels, and treatment with tocilizumab on top of dexamethasone was required. The present examination revealed Beau's lines which were associated with both prior COVID-19 infections.

CONCLUSIONS

Although nail changes look harmless, seeking Beau's lines during the physical examination might indicate past severe COVID-19 infection and a higher probability for reinfection and rehospitalisation.

LEARNING POINTS

Beau's lines are grooves that traverse the nail plate horizontally.The appearance of Beau's lines may indicate past severe COVID-19 infection.Beau's lines can potentially indicate a higher probability of COVID-19 reinfection and rehospitalisation.