The 'Great Imitator': A Case of COVID-19 Presenting with Encephalitis and Acute Coronary Syndrome

Guntur Darmawan1, Samadhi Tulus Makmud

  • 11. Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Krida Wacana Christian University, Jakarta, Indonesia 2. Department of Internal Medicine, Sumber Waras General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia 3. Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia. guntur.darmawan@ukrida.ac.id.

Insights

This study highlights unusual coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) presentations. A female patient experienced initial symptoms of a central nervous system disorder and acute myocardial infarction, demonstrating atypical extra-pulmonary manifestations.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) typically manifests with pulmonary symptoms.
  • Atypical presentations involving extra-pulmonary systems can occur but are less common.

Observation:

  • A case report details a female COVID-19 patient with initial neurological and cardiac symptoms.
  • The patient presented with a central nervous system disorder and acute myocardial infarction.

Findings:

  • This case illustrates that COVID-19 can present with severe, atypical extra-pulmonary manifestations.
  • Multiorgan involvement in COVID-19 can lead to diverse and potentially overlooked initial symptoms.

Implications:

  • Physicians should consider COVID-19 in patients presenting with atypical neurological or cardiac symptoms.
  • Recognizing these unusual presentations is crucial for timely diagnosis and management of COVID-19.

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