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Case report of meningoencephalitis associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection showing a decrease in idiopathic focal
Kazumasa Sekiguchi1, Kosuke Matsuzono1, Takafumi Mashiko1
1Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan.
SAGE Open Medical Case Reports
|July 29, 2024
Summary
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can cause aseptic meningoencephalitis. This neurological complication involves decreased cerebral blood flow without MRI abnormalities, as seen in a fatal case.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Neurological complications are recognized sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.
- Aseptic meningoencephalitis is a rare but serious neurological manifestation.
Observation:
- A 74-year-old male diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 developed disturbed consciousness and aseptic meningoencephalitis 18 days post-infection.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed elevated cells and protein.
- Cranial MRI was normal, but SPECT imaging showed reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the left parietal and occipital lobes.
Findings:
- The case highlights SARS-CoV-2-induced aseptic meningoencephalitis presenting with specific patterns of reduced CBF.
- Cerebral blood flow deficits were detectable via SPECT imaging despite normal MRI findings.
- The patient experienced a sudden, unexplained death three months later.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for SARS-CoV-2 to cause severe neurological damage, including aseptic meningoencephalitis.
- SPECT imaging may reveal critical information about cerebral perfusion in SARS-CoV-2 patients with neurological symptoms when MRI is inconclusive.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathophysiology and long-term outcomes of SARS-CoV-2-associated neurological disorders.
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