Prion Disease After COVID-19: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Neurodegenerative Disorders

Background:

• Prion disease (PrD) is a rapidly progressive dementia with debated infectious etiology.
• COVID-19 is known to cause neurological manifestations, with increasing reports of neurodegeneration.
• Few cases link COVID-19 infection to prion disease development.

Observation:

• A 62-year-old male presented with rapidly progressive dementia, gait difficulty, and myoclonus.
• Initial MRI brain results were inconclusive; CSF 14-3-3 testing was positive, indicating probable PrD.
• The patient's neurological function declined rapidly after testing positive for COVID-19.

Findings:

• The patient met the probable diagnostic criteria for prion disease (PrD).
• The clinical course showed rapid neurological deterioration post-COVID-19 infection.
• The patient ultimately succumbed to the rapid progression of the condition.

Implications:

• This case highlights a potential correlation between COVID-19 and neurodegenerative diseases, specifically prion disorders.
• While suggestive, the findings do not establish definitive causality, and coincidental occurrence cannot be ruled out.
• Further research is warranted to explore the relationship between COVID-19 and prion disease and its implications for neurodegeneration.