Demyelinating Disease of the Central Nervous System Concurrent With COVID-19

Cureus. 2021 Aug 19;13(8):e17297. doi: 10.7759/cureus.17297. eCollection 2021 Aug.

Abstract

Neurological diseases related to coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) are increasingly reported. We report here three cases that presented with subtle neurologic findings manifesting within a range of 15 days to four months after their COVID-19 diagnoses. Magnetic resonance imaging showed acute multifocal periventricular and subcortical demyelinating lesions. Some of the lesions showed contrast enhancement and diffusion restriction. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) PCR was found in the cerebrospinal fluid of just one patient. All patients received intravenous methylprednisolone therapy. In this report, we aim to discuss the aspects of possible COVID-19-related demyelination that support a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) or acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM).

Keywords: adem; covid-19; demiyelination; demyelinating disease; multiple sclerosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports