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Acute meningoencephalitis associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in Colombia
María A Palacio-Toro1, Johan S Hernández-Botero2,3,4, Daniela Duque-Montoya1,2,5
1Universidad de Caldas, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia.
Journal of Neurovirology
|November 5, 2021
Summary
This case study highlights a young adult with asthma who developed severe respiratory illness and neurological symptoms. COVID-19 was confirmed as the cause of both pneumonia and meningoencephalitis, with positive tests in respiratory and cerebrospinal fluid.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Asthma is a common comorbidity that can complicate respiratory infections.
- Early identification of severe COVID-19 presentations is crucial for patient outcomes.
Observation:
- A young adult patient with asthma presented with severe respiratory distress and neurological symptoms, including seizures and status epilepticus.
- High-resolution chest tomography revealed pneumonia with ground-glass infiltrates.
- MRI indicated leptomeningitis, and RT-PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 in bronchoalveolar lavage and cerebrospinal fluid.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with acute meningoencephalitis secondary to COVID-19.
- Cerebrospinal fluid testing confirmed SARS-CoV-2 presence, indicating central nervous system involvement.
- Treatment with corticosteroids led to an adequate clinical response.
Implications:
- This case represents the first reported adult in Latin America with confirmed central nervous system involvement and positive cerebrospinal fluid for SARS-CoV-2.
- Highlights the potential for severe neurological complications of COVID-19 in adults.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering COVID-19 in patients presenting with unexplained meningoencephalitis, even with respiratory symptoms.
