Isolated Encephalopathy Without Severe Disease in a COVID-19 Patient: Case Presentation and Workup Strategies

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the virus responsible for the human coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It has been shown to cause not only respiratory disease but has manifestation in multiple organ systems. Encephalopathy has been shown to be associated with COVID-19; typically, it presents with other findings of the disease including headache, respiratory dysfunction, and fevers. We report a case of a 60-year-old man with hypertension who presented with confusion and cognitive decline concerning for encephalopathy and was found to have COVID-19. On neurologic examination, he had impaired episodic memory, attention, and comprehension with intact motor and sensory examination. Other than fatigue, the patient had no other common COVID-19 symptoms.