Guillain-Barré Syndrome Associated with SARS CoV-2 Infection: Case Report

Since the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV2) in December 2019, there have been some case reports of Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID 19) associated Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). GBS is an inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathy associated with numerous viral and bacterial infections. Here we describe the case of an Ethiopian man with a typical clinical and electrophysiological manifestation of GBS.

A 70-year-old male presented with four days history of progressive and ascending bilateral limbs weakness which end up with respiratory failure. He had an antecedent headache, loss of appetite, and generalized fatigue. Electrophysiological studies showed Acute Motor and Sensory Axonal Neuropathy whereas and cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed albuminocytologic dissociation with positive preintubation SARS CoV2 test. He was treated with supportive care and recovered successfully.

This case illustrates one of the few occasions when patients with mild COVID-19 develop severe neurologic manifestations. Seemingly, early identification and management can improve clinical outcomes. We would like to emphasize the need to consider screening for SARS CoV-2 in patients presenting with GBS.