Parsonage-Turner Syndrome and SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Literature Review With Case Presentation

Neuralgic amyotrophy, also known as Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS), is characterized by severe pain and muscle wasting affecting the anterior body, including the head, shoulder, upper limb, and chest wall. Often triggered by an antecedent event, such as infection, PTS encompasses various conditions historically identified as separate entities. In 1948, Parsonage and Turner unified these conditions under the term neuralgic amyotrophy based on shared features of intense pain and muscular atrophy. Recent studies have highlighted PTS as a spectrum disorder with diverse manifestations, including pure sensory neuropathy, extensive neuropathy, spinal accessory nerve involvement, and diaphragmatic palsy. We reviewed 26 documented cases of PTS following SARS-CoV-2 infection, emphasizing the importance of considering PTS in individuals with a history of COVID-19 due to varied clinical presentations. Standardized diagnostic methods and comprehensive evaluations are crucial for accurate diagnosis and management. Future research should focus on consistent evaluation methods and employing a comprehensive differential diagnosis approach.