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Okumura M, Sato T, Masui M, Kokubu T, Umehara T, Okamoto T, Iguchi Y. Magnetic Resonance Imaging/cerebrospinal Fluid-negative Myelitis Following COVID-19 with a Dramatic Response to Early Aggressive Immunosuppressive Therapy. Intern Med 2024; 63:2199-2201. [PMID: 38749730 PMCID: PMC11358746 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.3588-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
A 57-year-old man presented with subacute-onset paraparesis, bilateral dysesthesia in his lower extremities, and bladder/bowel disturbance six weeks after being infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection [coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)]. A neurological examination suggested transverse myelitis at the level of the lower thoracic spinal cord. However, repeated spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed no abnormalities in the spinal cord. Laboratory and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests ruled out other etiologies of myelitis, eventually suggesting COVID-19-associated myelitis. Aggressive immunosuppressive therapy, started soon after hospitalization, dramatically improved his symptoms. Early aggressive immunosuppressive therapy should therefore be considered in cases of MRI/CSF-negative myelitis associated with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motohiro Okumura
- Department of Neurology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Takeo Sato
- Department of Neurology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Marina Masui
- Department of Neurology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Tatsushi Kokubu
- Department of Neurology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Tadashi Umehara
- Department of Neurology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Tomoko Okamoto
- Department of Neurology, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Iguchi
- Department of Neurology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Japan
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2
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Prusinski C, Yan D, Klasova J, McVeigh KH, Shah SZ, Fermo OP, Kubrova E, Farr EM, Williams LC, Gerardo-Manrique G, Bergquist TF, Pham SM, Engelberg-Cook E, Hare JM, March KL, Caplan AI, Qu W. Multidisciplinary Management Strategies for Long COVID: A Narrative Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e59478. [PMID: 38826995 PMCID: PMC11142761 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59478] [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: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused millions of infections to date and has led to a worldwide pandemic. Most patients had a complete recovery from the acute infection, however, a large number of the affected individuals experienced symptoms that persisted more than 3 months after diagnosis. These symptoms most commonly include fatigue, memory difficulties, brain fog, dyspnea, cough, and other less common ones such as headache, chest pain, paresthesias, mood changes, muscle pain, and weakness, skin rashes, and cardiac, endocrine, renal and hepatic manifestations. The treatment of this syndrome remains challenging. A multidisciplinary approach to address combinations of symptoms affecting multiple organ systems has been widely adopted. This narrative review aims to bridge the gap surrounding the broad treatment approaches by providing an overview of multidisciplinary management strategies for the most common long COVID conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dan Yan
- Department of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, USA
| | - Johana Klasova
- Department of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, USA
| | | | - Sadia Z Shah
- Department of Transplantation, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, USA
| | - Olga P Fermo
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, USA
| | - Eva Kubrova
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA
| | - Ellen M Farr
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA
| | - Linus C Williams
- Department of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Burlington, USA
| | | | - Thomas F Bergquist
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA
| | - Si M Pham
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, USA
| | | | - Joshua M Hare
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division and the Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, Miami, USA
| | - Keith L March
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Arnold I Caplan
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, USA
| | - Wenchun Qu
- Department of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, USA
- Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, USA
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3
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Wang J, Zhang H, Lin J, Yang L, Zhao L, Du A. Atypical and delayed spinal cord MRI features of COVID-19-associated myelopathies: a report of four cases and literature review. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:1835-1843. [PMID: 38430399 PMCID: PMC11021317 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07351-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
We reported four patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated myelopathies, highlighting the delayed and atypical spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and the literature review. All four patients were males, aged 37 to 72 years old. The latencies from COVID-19 to the onset of myelitis were 5, 15, 30, and 80 days. The initial symptoms were numbness and weakness of lower limbs in three cases, and back pain with weakness of lower limbs in one case. The peak symptoms included paraplegia, sphincter dysfunction, sensory disturbance level, and spastic gait. The EDSS scores were 7.5, 9.0, 9.0, and 7.5, respectively. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed delayed atypical spinal cord lesions at onset, i.e., two cases without lesions, one with linear spinal meningeal enhancement, and one with punctate lesions on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI). During the follow-up period, punctate, linear, and cloudy lesions in the lateral and posterior funiculus were seen on T2WI in the peak stage. The prominent features of spinal cord lesions were linear spinal meningeal enhancement, the mismatch of deteriorated clinical symptoms, and inapparent MRI findings. All four patients were left with an obvious disability, with two patients completely bedridden and two who could stand with support. This report highlights the recognition of COVID-19-associated myelopathy even months after initial infection, especially in patients with delayed and atypical spinal cord findings on MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200336, China
- Institute of Neurology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huijun Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Jingya Lin
- Department of Neurology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Lingli Yang
- Department of Neurology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Lipeng Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Ailian Du
- Department of Neurology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200336, China.
- Institute of Neurology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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4
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Kiyak C, Ijezie OA, Ackah JA, Armstrong M, Cowen J, Cetinkaya D, Burianová H, Akudjedu TN. Topographical Distribution of Neuroanatomical Abnormalities Following COVID-19 Invasion : A Systematic Literature Review. Clin Neuroradiol 2024; 34:13-31. [PMID: 37697012 PMCID: PMC10881816 DOI: 10.1007/s00062-023-01344-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This systematic review is aimed at synthesising the literature base to date on the frequency and topographical distribution of neuroanatomical changes seen on imaging following COVID-19 invasion with a focus on both the acute and chronic phases of the disease. METHODS In this study, 8 databases were systematically searched to identify relevant articles published from December 2019 to March 2022 and supplemented with a manual reference search. Data were extracted from the included studies and narrative synthesis was employed to integrate the findings. RESULTS A total of 110 studies met the inclusion criteria and comprised 119,307 participants (including 31,073 acute and 143 long COVID-19 patients manifesting neurological alterations) and controls. Considerable variability in both the localisation and nature of neuroanatomical abnormalities are noted along the continuum with a wide range of neuropathologies relating to the cerebrovascular/neurovascular system, (sub)cortical structures (including deep grey and white matter structures), brainstem, and predominant regional and/or global alterations in the cerebellum with varying degrees of spinal involvement. CONCLUSION Structural regional alterations on neuroimaging are frequently demonstrated in both the acute and chronic phases of SARS-CoV‑2 infection, particularly prevalent across subcortical, prefrontal/frontal and cortico-limbic brain areas as well as the cerebrovascular/neurovascular system. These findings contribute to our understanding of the acute and chronic effects of the virus on the nervous system and has the potential to provide information on acute and long-term treatment and neurorehabilitation decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceyda Kiyak
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK
- School of Psychology, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | | | - Joseph A Ackah
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Visualisation, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, 8 8GP, Bournemouth, UK
| | - Matthew Armstrong
- Department of Rehabilitation & Sports Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK
| | - Jake Cowen
- Department of Radiology, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Deniz Cetinkaya
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK
| | - Hana Burianová
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK
| | - Theophilus N Akudjedu
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Visualisation, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, 8 8GP, Bournemouth, UK.
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Kawama K, Shimazaki R, Sunami Y, Miyakoshi N, Tobisawa S, Shimizu T, Takahashi K. Case report: MRI-negative myelitis following COVID-19 with SEP abnormalities: a case series and literature review. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1275696. [PMID: 38020593 PMCID: PMC10643519 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1275696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is known to have various, neurological manifestations. We herein report three patients with MRI-negative myelitis following COVID-19 with abnormal somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs). Decreased amplitude of the cortical potential and prolonged latency in the SEPs contributed to diagnosing myelitis in the present patients. The SEP findings improved as the neurological symptoms improved. Despite a delay in initiating immunosuppressive treatment after myelitis onset, all the patients improved clinically. In the light of recent progress in COVID-19 research, several hypotheses can be made to explain the pathophysiology underlying MRI-negative myelitis, including antibody-binding and microglial synapse elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yoko Sunami
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Nagao K, Kadoya M, Shimizu Y, Murahara N, Fujii H, Takechi C, Aono S. Magnetic Resonance Imaging-negative Acute Inflammatory Myelopathy following Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection. Intern Med 2023; 62:2267-2272. [PMID: 37164679 PMCID: PMC10465296 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.1344-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A 55-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of gait disturbance and urinary retention that acutely emerged 1 week after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Acute inflammatory myelopathy was clinically suspected, based on bilateral lower-limb weakness with an extensor plantar response and an elevated immunoglobulin G level in the cerebrospinal fluid. Whole-spine magnetic resonance imaging findings were normal. The central conduction time was extended, based on somatosensory evoked potentials. Her lower-limb weakness was partially ameliorated with immunosuppressive therapy. Postinfectious myelopathy is a rare neurological complication of coronavirus disease 2019 and can develop with normal radiological findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Nagao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Japan Self-Defense Forces Central Hospital, Japan
| | - Masato Kadoya
- Department of Internal Medicine, Japan Self-Defense Forces Central Hospital, Japan
| | - Yukie Shimizu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Japan Self-Defense Forces Central Hospital, Japan
| | - Nami Murahara
- Department of Internal Medicine, Japan Self-Defense Forces Central Hospital, Japan
| | - Hiroko Fujii
- Department of Internal Medicine, Japan Self-Defense Forces Central Hospital, Japan
| | - Chizuko Takechi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Japan Self-Defense Forces Central Hospital, Japan
| | - Shigeaki Aono
- Department of Internal Medicine, Japan Self-Defense Forces Central Hospital, Japan
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7
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Meiling JB, Ha CT, Garlanger KL, Snider BA, Flanagan EP, Reeves RK. Inpatient rehabilitation outcomes in patients with the new diagnosis of COVID-19 tractopathy: a case series. Spinal Cord Ser Cases 2023; 9:25. [PMID: 37393353 PMCID: PMC10314931 DOI: 10.1038/s41394-023-00586-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective Case Series. OBJECTIVES Describe the inpatient rehabilitation outcomes of four patients with COVID-19 tractopathy. SETTING Olmsted County, Minnesota, United States of America. METHODS Retrospective review of medical records was performed to collect patient data. RESULTS Four individuals (n = 4, 3 men and 1 woman, mean age 58.25 years [range 56-61]) completed inpatient rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic. All presented after COVID-19 infection and were admitted to acute care with progressive paraparesis. None were able to ambulate on admission to acute care. All received extensive evaluations which were largely negative except for mildly elevated CSF protein and MRI findings of longitudinally extensive T2 hyperintensity signal changes in the lateral (n = 3) and dorsal (n = 1) columns. All patients experienced incomplete spastic paraparesis. All patients experienced neurogenic bowel dysfunction; a majority experienced neuropathic pain (n = 3); half experienced impaired proprioception (n = 2); and a minority experienced neurogenic bladder dysfunction (n = 1). Between rehabilitation admission and discharge, the median improvement in lower extremity motor score was 5 (0-28). All patients were discharged home, but only one was a functional ambulator at time of discharge. CONCLUSION While the underlying mechanism is yet to be elucidated, in rare cases a COVID-19 infection can lead to a tractopathy, presenting as weakness, sensory deficits, spasticity, neuropathic pain, and neurogenic bladder/bowel. Patients with COVID-19 tractopathy would benefit from inpatient rehabilitation to enhance their functional mobility and independence.
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Affiliation(s)
- James B Meiling
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| | - Christopher T Ha
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kristin L Garlanger
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Ronald K Reeves
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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8
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Al-Ani A, Chen JJ, Costello F. Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD): current understanding and challenges. J Neurol 2023:10.1007/s00415-023-11737-8. [PMID: 37154894 PMCID: PMC10165591 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11737-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
New diagnostic criteria for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) have recently been proposed, distinguishing this syndrome from other inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system. Seropositivity status for MOG-IgG autoantibodies is important for diagnosing MOGAD, but only in the context of robust clinical characterization and cautious interpretation of neuroimaging. Over the last several years, access to cell-based assay (CBA) techniques has improved diagnostic accuracy, yet the positive predictive value of serum MOG-IgG values varies with the prevalence of MOGAD in any given patient population. For this reason, possible alternative diagnoses need to be considered, and low MOG-IgG titers need to be carefully weighted. In this review, cardinal clinical features of MOGAD are discussed. Key challenges to the current understanding of MOGAD are also highlighted, including uncertainty regarding the specificity and pathogenicity of MOG autoantibodies, the need to identify immunopathologic targets for future therapies, the quest to validate biomarkers that facilitate diagnosis and detect disease activity, and the importance of deciphering which patients with MOGAD require long-term immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Al-Ani
- Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - John J Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Fiona Costello
- Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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9
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Wischmann J, Bartos LM, Brendel M, Albert NL, Forbrig R, Straube A, Masouris I. Translocator protein (TSPO)-PET as diagnostic and monitoring tool in COVID-19 related MRI-negative brainstem encephalitis: a case report. J Neurol 2023; 270:2853-2856. [PMID: 37012466 PMCID: PMC10069725 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11691-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Encephalitis and myelitis have been linked to both COVID-19 vaccination and infection, causing symptoms such as reduced consciousness, mental state alterations and seizures. Remarkably, most cases do not show significant structural alterations on MRI scans, which poses a diagnostic challenge. METHODS We present the diagnostic workup and clinical course of a patient who developed a progressive brainstem syndrome two weeks after COVID-19 vaccination and subsequent infection. We used translocator protein (TSPO)-PET scans for the first time to investigate COVID-related neuroinflammation. RESULTS The patient developed oculomotor disorder, dysarthria, paresthesia in all distal limbs and spastic-atactic gait. CSF analysis revealed mild lymphocytic pleocytosis with normal protein levels. Brain and spinal cord MRI scans were negative, but TSPO/PET scans showed increased microglia activity in the brainstem, which correlated with the clinical course. Steroid treatment led to clinical improvement, but relapse occurred during prednisone taper after four weeks. Plasmapheresis had no significant effect; however, complete remission was achieved with cyclophosphamide and methotrexate, with normal TSPO signal ten months after onset. CONCLUSIONS TSPO-PET can be a valuable tool in the diagnostic and therapeutic monitoring of COVID-19-related encephalitis, particularly in cases where MRI scans are negative. Aggressive immunosuppressive therapy can lead to sustained remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Wischmann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany.
| | - Laura M Bartos
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Brendel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Nathalie L Albert
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Robert Forbrig
- Institute of Neuroradiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Straube
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Ilias Masouris
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
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10
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Masaad D, Youssef S, Safadi MF, Shehadeh Agha M. MRI-negative myelitis associated with cerebral venous thrombosis after COVID-19 infection. BMJ Case Rep 2022; 15:15/10/e250535. [PMID: 36307141 PMCID: PMC9621158 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-250535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Transverse myelitis and cerebral venous thrombosis represent some of the described neurological complications of coronavirus disease. A woman in her early 30s presented with headache, left-sided sensory symptoms and voiding difficulty. The patient also reported dry cough, fever, nasal congestion, anosmia and ageusia 2 weeks before presentation. The clinical examination showed sensory disturbances on the left side of the body, starting from the lower abdomen and extending to the left leg, which was consistent with transverse myelitis. The laboratory assessment confirmed a previous infection with coronavirus disease and excluded autoimmune entities. Radiological investigations revealed left transverse sinus thrombosis with no spinal cord abnormalities. The treatment was started with therapeutic anticoagulation and intravenous high-dose steroids. The patient showed significant improvement, and the neurological deficits resolved after 3 months. This is the first documented case of imaging-negative myelitis associated with cerebral venous thrombosis after coronavirus disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dea Masaad
- Department of Neurology, Al-Mouwasat Hospital, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | | | - Mhd Firas Safadi
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Sachsen, Germany
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11
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Spataro R, Fisco G, La Bella V. Reversible radiculomyelitis after ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination. BMJ Case Rep 2022; 15:15/2/e247472. [PMID: 35110289 PMCID: PMC8811582 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-247472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse events occurring after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination have been reported and are the subject of ongoing research. We present the case of a young woman with fully reversible radiculomyelitis, which happened after the first dose of the ChAdOx1 nCOVID-19 vaccine. A previously healthy woman in her 20s presented with a subacute onset of legs’ weakness and sensory disturbances, urinary dysfunction and cramping pain after receiving the first dose of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. A diagnostic workup led to the diagnosis of inflammatory radiculomyelitis. Her clinical status improved, with complete recovery after a few months. The case described a reversible radiculomyelitis associated with the ChAdOx1 nCOVID-19 vaccine. The clinical picture and evolution supported the diagnosis. No other identifiable causes of myelopathy were found. Our patient showed clinically moderate symptoms and signs, showing good recovery. The post-vaccine inflammatory radiculomyelitis is a rare side effect of the anti-COVID-19 vaccination, and it should not discourage the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Spataro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, ALS Clinical Research Center, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giacomo Fisco
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo La Bella
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, ALS Clinical Research Center, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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12
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Lemus HN, Alkayyali M, Kim E, Cunnigham-Rundles C, Pyburn D, Abrams R. Acute Cerebellitis and Myeloradiculitis Associated With SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Common Variable Immunodeficiency—A Case Report. Neurohospitalist 2021; 12:361-365. [PMID: 35419133 PMCID: PMC8995593 DOI: 10.1177/19418744211050215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of the adaptive immune system in mediating COVID-19 is largely unknown. Therefore, it is difficult to predict the clinical course in patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), a disease characterized by dysfunctional lymphocytes and impaired antibody production. We report a case of SARS-CoV-2 infection presenting as isolated neurological symptoms in a patient with CVID. The patient subsequently improved following steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and convalescent plasma (CP). The latter has been shown to be safe and efficacious in treating COVID-19 in patients with primary immunodeficiency. Recent data suggest that the mechanism of CNS injury in COVID-19 may be due to immunological dysregulation rather than direct viral-mediated injury. This case exemplifies the complex interaction between the brain, the immune system, and the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hernan Nicolas Lemus
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Downtown, New York, NY, USA
| | - Miryam Alkayyali
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Downtown, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eonjung Kim
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Downtown, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Dewitt Pyburn
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Downtown, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rory Abrams
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai West, New York, NY, USA
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Abstract
A number of the people who have recovered from the acute effects of COVID-19 are facing long term sequelae from the infection. As the COVID-19 pandemic is still evolving, so is knowledge of the long-term effects of the virus on patients who still experience symptoms. Clearly, news media play a crucial role in distributing information and this distribution of information can, in turn, influence the actions of the public. The purpose of this study was to describe the content of news coverage of COVID-19 long haul symptoms currently posted on the internet. This study utilized Google News, a news aggregator service, and included the first 100 English language pieces of news. Video content and news article content were coded in depth for information on COVID-19 long haul symptoms. A total of 41% of news reports mentioned the length of time that the COVID-19 related symptoms persist. The length of time was reported to range from 1 month to more than 1 year. The symptom most commonly mentioned was tiredness or fatigue (74%), followed by difficulty breathing or shortness of breath (62 cases; 62%), and difficulty thinking or concentrating (50 cases; 50%). Other symptoms were mentioned less frequently. There were no statistically significant differences in any of the content including having video, written news reports, or both video and written news reports by source of the news reports based on consumer, professional, or television or internet-based news (p = .14). More complete coverage by online news media of the long-term effects of COVID-19 enhances public awareness of the post-acute syndromes, augments health providers’ awareness of the range of chronic COVID-19 effects and the possibility of a second infection, increases the probability of patients’ seeking and obtaining the proper care for their symptoms, and contributes to preventive actions for enhancing public health.
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14
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Kopanczyk R, Kumar N, Papadimos T. Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome for Anesthesiologists: A Narrative Review and a Pragmatic Approach to Clinical Care. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2021; 36:2727-2737. [PMID: 34688543 PMCID: PMC8487462 DOI: 10.1053/j.jvca.2021.09.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Post-acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) syndrome is a novel, poorly understood clinical entity with life-impacting ramifications. Patients with this syndrome, also known as "COVID-19 long-haulers," often present with nonspecific ailments involving more than one body system. The most common complaints include dyspnea, fatigue, brain fog, and chest pain. There currently is no single agreed-upon definition for post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, but most agree that criterion for this syndrome is the persistence of mental and physical health consequences after initial infection. Given the millions of acute infections in the United States over the course of the pandemic, perioperative providers will encounter these patients in clinical practice in growing numbers. Symptoms of the COVID-19 long-haulers should not be minimized, as these patients are at higher risk for postoperative respiratory complications and perioperative mortality for up to seven weeks after initial illness. Instead, a cautious multidisciplinary preoperative evaluation should be performed. Perioperative care should be viewed through the prism of best practices already in use, such as avoidance of benzodiazepines in patients with cognitive impairment and use of lung-protective ventilation. Recommendations especially relevant to the COVID-19 long-haulers include assessment of critical care myopathies and neuropathies to determine suitable neuromuscular blocking agents and reversal, preoperative workup of insidious cardiac or pulmonary pathologies in previously healthy patients, and, thorough medication review, particularly of anticoagulation regimens and chronic steroid use. In this article, the authors define the syndrome, synthesize the available scientific evidence, and make pragmatic suggestions regarding the perioperative clinical care of COVID-19 long-haulers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafal Kopanczyk
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH.
| | - Nicolas Kumar
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
| | - Thomas Papadimos
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
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