< Back to previous page

Publication

Encephalitis associated with the SARS-CoV-2 virus

Journal Contribution - Journal Article

Subtitle:A case report

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) usually causes fever, respiratory symptoms, malaise and myalgia. Recent observations suggested possible neurological complications of COVID-19, including the first report of suspected viral encephalitis. We report a case of a 29-year-old male with -on nasopharyngeal testing- confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection with severe respiratory symptoms, followed by clinical and radiological signs of encephalitis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed an asymmetric FLAIR-hyperintensity of the left medial temporal cortex associated with mild gyral expansion. Lumbar puncture was normal and PCR's for SARS-CoV-2 virus on CSF were negative. Clinicians treating SARS-CoV-2 infected patients should be aware of possible neurological complications, like encephalitis. The diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 encephalitis is difficult as CSF analysis may be normal.

Journal: Interdisciplinary neurosurgery : Advanced techniques and case management
ISSN: 2214-7519
Volume: 22
Publication year:2020
Keywords:COVID-19, Encephalitis, Hydroxychloroquine, Neurological complications, SARS-CoV-2.
  • PubMed Central Id: PMC7347479
  • ORCID: /0000-0003-0304-9785/work/79368654
  • ORCID: /0000-0002-2490-216X/work/79367625
  • ORCID: /0000-0002-2684-5277/work/79366829
  • ORCID: /0000-0002-0511-0554/work/79366718
  • Scopus Id: 85087891231
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inat.2020.100821
  • WoS Id: 000572925200009
Accessibility:Open