Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is one of the markers of immune system activation indicating existent infection and inflammation. We present here a case of a 55-year-old male COVID-19 patient with an unusual high level of interleukin 6 (IL-6). Further investigation revealed he had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with underlying hepatitis B. He did not present with respiratory symptoms although a baseline chest x-ray showed changes, and the patient was categorized as Class 3A of COVID-19. Routine investigations proceeded with high-resolution computed tomography and IL-6 to monitor for progression to severe COVID-19. Notably, there was a high IL-6 level but other parameters did not show he was in severe COVID-19. In this report, we conclude that elevated IL-6 level in a COVID-19 patient is not necessarily associated with severe COVID-19.
【저자키워드】 COVID-19, IL-6, Cytokine release syndrome, HCC, HBV infection, 【초록키워드】 Inflammation, severe COVID-19, Infection, progression, immune system, Computed tomography, Chest, male, hepatitis B, marker, COVID-19 patient, High-resolution, Hepatocellular carcinoma, interleukin 6 (IL-6, changes, Activation, respiratory symptom, class, routine, MONITOR, parameter, the patient, elevated, baseline, 【제목키워드】 Level,