Persistent miller fisher syndrome following COVID-19 infection: A case report

Margaret Donat1,2, Ivie Odiase3, Aldo Alleva1,2

  • 1Department of Family Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Long Island, New York, United States.

Insights

Miller-Fisher syndrome (MFS), a rare variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), can be a side effect of COVID-19. This case report details a severe, IVIG-resistant MFS case following COVID-19 in an adult.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an inflammatory peripheral nervous system disorder.
  • Miller-Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a rare variant of GBS.
  • Emerging evidence links GBS and MFS to COVID-19 infections.

Observation:

  • This case report details a 57-year-old male diagnosed with MFS post-COVID-19.
  • The patient presented with neurological symptoms resistant to standard intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment.
  • This represents the longest-documented case of adult COVID-19-associated MFS with persistent symptoms post-IVIG.

Findings:

  • The patient exhibited a severe form of MFS, potentially demonstrating resistance to IVIG.
  • This case contributes to understanding the spectrum of post-COVID-19 neurological complications.
  • The findings highlight the need for further research into MFS pathophysiology and treatment.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the association between COVID-19 and MFS, necessitating increased clinical vigilance.
  • Further research is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms underlying COVID-19-associated MFS.
  • Identifying new biomarkers could lead to more targeted and effective therapeutic strategies for MFS.

Related Concept Videos

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
32
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis01:25

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
29
Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
20