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Stoian A, Bajko Z, Stoian M, Cioflinc RA, Niculescu R, Arbănași EM, Russu E, Botoncea M, Bălașa R. The Occurrence of Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis in SARS-CoV-2 Infection/Vaccination: Our Experience and a Systematic Review of the Literature. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1225. [PMID: 37515041 PMCID: PMC10385010 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neurological complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and the side effects of vaccination include immune-mediated diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) such as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). It is an acute-onset demyelinating disease that involves a rapid evolution and multifocal neurological deficits that develops following a viral or bacterial infection or, less frequently, following vaccination. Acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (AHLE) is the hemorrhagic variant of ADEM that presents a more severe evolution which can be followed by coma and death. The objectives of this study consist in evaluating the diagnosis, clinical characteristics, imaging and laboratory features, evolution, and treatment of ADEM and AHLE following COVID-19 infection or vaccination. METHODS We performed a systematic review of the medical literature according to PRISMA guidelines that included ADEM cases published between 1 January 2020 and 30 November 2022 following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and vaccination and also included our own clinical experience regarding this pathology. RESULTS A total number of 74 patients were diagnosed with ADEM, 45 following COVID-19 infection and 29 after a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. A total of 13 patients (17.33%) presented AHLE. The moderate form of COVID-19 presented a positive correlation with AHLE (r = 0.691, p < 0.001). The existence of coma and AHLE was correlated with poor outcomes. The following more aggressive immunomodulatory therapies applied in severe cases were correlated with poor outcomes (major sequelae and death): therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) treatment (r = 382, p = 0.01) and combined therapy with corticosteroids and TPE (r = 0.337, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Vaccinations are essential to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the monitoring of adverse events is an important part of the strategic fight against SARS-CoV-2. The general benefits and the overall good evolution outweigh the risks, and prompt diagnosis is associated with a better prognosis in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina Stoian
- Department of Pathophysiology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Zoltan Bajko
- Department of Neurology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Mircea Stoian
- Department Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania
| | | | - Raluca Niculescu
- Department of Pathophysiology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania
- Doctoral School of Medicine and Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Emil Marian Arbănași
- Doctoral School of Medicine and Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
- Department of Vascular Surgery, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania
- Clinic of Vascular Surgery, Mures County Emergency Hospital, 540136 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Eliza Russu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania
- Clinic of Vascular Surgery, Mures County Emergency Hospital, 540136 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Marian Botoncea
- Department of General Surgery, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Rodica Bălașa
- Department of Neurology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania
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D'Amiano NM, Lai J, Primiani C, Yedavalli V, Bahouth MN. Fever, Cognitive Decline, and Multifocal T2 Hyperintensities on Brain MRI: A Case Report of Cytokine Release Syndrome. Cureus 2023; 15:e42274. [PMID: 37605659 PMCID: PMC10440156 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is a systemic inflammatory response characterized by fever, constitutional symptoms, and multiorgan dysfunction. While most commonly associated with immunotherapy, CRS can also be incited by infections or drugs. This case details the presentation and evaluation of a 71-year-old woman with a history of primary myelofibrosis and breast cancer who presented with acute onset of altered mental status. Initial vital signs were notable for severe hypertension, tachycardia, and fever. The patient was alert and oriented only to self, with little verbal output, and spontaneously moving all extremities. The patient had a submandibular gland abscess that had been diagnosed prior to presentation via a computed tomography scan of the neck. A comprehensive analysis, including blood tests, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, electroencephalogram (EEG), and neuroimaging, was performed. Severe leukocytosis was noted and brain MRI demonstrated scattered areas of diffusion restriction and diffuse T2 white matter hyperintensities. Serial imaging demonstrated the progression of T2 hyperintensities. Ultimately, CRS was the most likely diagnosis. In this case, the inciting event was likely an infectious etiology, suspected to be the submandibular gland abscess that was present at the time of admission. It is vital to have a high index of suspicion for CRS in patients with recent infection, drug exposure, or immune dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina M D'Amiano
- Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Jonathan Lai
- Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | | | - Vivek Yedavalli
- Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Mona N Bahouth
- Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
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Holroyd KB, Conway SE. Central Nervous System Neuroimmunologic Complications of COVID-19. Semin Neurol 2023. [PMID: 37080234 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1767713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune disorders of the central nervous system following COVID-19 infection include multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease, autoimmune encephalitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and other less common neuroimmunologic disorders. In general, these disorders are rare and likely represent postinfectious phenomena rather than direct consequences of the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself. The impact of COVID-19 infection on patients with preexisting neuroinflammatory disorders depends on both the disorder and disease-modifying therapy use. Patients with MS do not have an increased risk for severe COVID-19, though patients on anti-CD20 therapies may have worse clinical outcomes and attenuated humoral response to vaccination. Data are limited for other neuroinflammatory disorders, but known risk factors such as older age and medical comorbidities likely play a role. Prophylaxis and treatment for COVID-19 should be considered in patients with preexisting neuroinflammatory disorders at high risk for developing severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn B Holroyd
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sarah E Conway
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Gerhard A, Prüß H, Franke C. [Manifestations of the central nervous system after COVID-19]. DER NERVENARZT 2022; 93:769-778. [PMID: 35552466 PMCID: PMC9096778 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-022-01294-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Numerous diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), especially in the postacute phase after an infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been described. These include neuroimmunologically mediated diseases, such as encephalopathy, encephalitis, myelitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), acute necrotizing hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (ANHLE) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) as well as others, such as posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), opsoclonus myoclonus ataxia (OMA) and cerebrovascular diseases. A parainfectious or postinfectious association is discussed but the pathophysiological mechanisms are so far unknown. Underlying mechanisms could be a virus-triggered overactivation of the immune system with hyperinflammation and cytokine storm but possibly also the development of specific autoantibodies against CNS tissue. Direct damage due to the invasion of SARS-CoV‑2 into the brain or spinal cord does not seem to play a relevant role. An exact clinical phenotyping and initiation of additional diagnostics are recommended, also to rule out other causes. To date no medicinal treatment options for CNS manifestations of long COVID exist; however, first results regarding inflammation and autoimmunity are promising and could lead to new treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameli Gerhard
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Klinik für Neurologie und Experimentelle Neurologie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Harald Prüß
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Klinik für Neurologie und Experimentelle Neurologie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, Deutschland ,Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Christiana Franke
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Klinik für Neurologie und Experimentelle Neurologie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, Deutschland
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