Cerebrospinal fluid confirmed COVID-19-associated encephalitis treated successfully

The COVID-19 pandemic that attracted global attention in December 2019 is well known for its clinical picture that is consistent with respiratory symptoms. Currently, the available medical literature describing the neurological complications of COVID-19 is gradually emerging. We hereby describe a ca...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:BMJ case reports 2020-09, Vol.13 (9), p.e237378
Main Authors: Kamal, Yasmine Mohamed, Abdelmajid, Yasmin, Al Madani, Abubaker Abdul Rahman
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abdomen
Adult
Antibodies
Antigens
Blood
Case reports
Cerebrospinal fluid
Consciousness
Coronavirus Infections - complications
Coronavirus Infections - drug therapy
Coronaviruses
COVID-19
Deoxyribonucleic acid
Disease prevention
DNA
Encephalitis
Encephalitis, Viral - cerebrospinal fluid
Encephalitis, Viral - diagnosis
Encephalitis, Viral - drug therapy
Encephalitis, Viral - virology
Global health
Hepatitis
Herpes viruses
Humans
infection (neurology)
infectious diseases
Laboratories
Male
medical management
Neuroimaging
Pandemics
Pneumonia, Viral - complications
Pneumonia, Viral - drug therapy
Pulmonary arteries
Remission Induction
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
Unusual Presentation of More Common Disease/Injury
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Summary:The COVID-19 pandemic that attracted global attention in December 2019 is well known for its clinical picture that is consistent with respiratory symptoms. Currently, the available medical literature describing the neurological complications of COVID-19 is gradually emerging. We hereby describe a case of a 31-year-old COVID-19-positive patient who was admitted on emergency basis. His clinical presentation was primarily neurological, rather than the COVID-19’s classical respiratory manifestations. He presented with acute behavioural changes, severe confusion and drowsiness. The cerebrospinal fluid analysis was consistent with COVID-19 encephalitis, as well as the brain imaging. This experience confirms that neurological manifestations might be expected in COVID-19 infections, despite the absence of significant respiratory symptoms. Whenever certain red flags are raised, physicians who are involved in the management of COVID-19 should promptly consider the possibility of encephalitis. Early recognition of COVID-19 encephalitis and timely management may lead to a better outcome.
ISSN:1757-790X
1757-790X
DOI:10.1136/bcr-2020-237378