SARS-COVID-19 TRIGGERED WERNICKE'S ENCEPHALOPATHY (CLINICAL CASE)

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• COVID-19 is associated with various neurological complications.
• Patients with pre-existing conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and gout are at higher risk.
• Neurological manifestations can significantly impact patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the case of a patient presenting with acute encephalopathy.
• To explore the potential link between COVID-19 and neurological complications in patients with comorbidities.
• To highlight the importance of considering indirect mechanisms in COVID-19-related neurological issues.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a patient with confused consciousness and lower limb weakness.
• Review of patient's medical history including atrial fibrillation, gout, hypertension, and type II diabetes mellitus.
• Clinical, laboratory, and instrumental diagnostic methods were employed.

Main Results:

• The patient exhibited symptoms of acute encephalopathy, including confused consciousness and motor deficits.
• Pre-existing conditions (hypertension, diabetes, gout) were identified as significant risk factors.
• Neuroimaging revealed non-specific changes, suggesting indirect pathology rather than direct viral CNS involvement.

Conclusions:

• Acute encephalopathy can be a neurological complication of COVID-19, particularly in patients with cardiovascular risk factors.
• The pathogenesis is likely multifactorial, involving an inflammatory or immune response triggered by the infection.
• Early recognition and management of neurological symptoms are crucial in COVID-19 patients with comorbidities.