ACUTE TRANSVERSE MYELITIS AS A NEUROLOGICAL COMPLICATION OF COVID-19: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

We aim to report a COVID-19-related case of acute myelitis that has not been associated with any other viral infections. A 23-year-old student was admitted to the hospital within a month from the time of loss of smell and taste with features of acute-onset non-compressive myelitis with paresthesia on both sides from the Th9 level. Complex neurological, clinical, laboratory, and neuroimaging examination was performed within 24 hours of admission. MRI of the spine showed a segment of increased T2 signal in the center of the spinal cord at Th11-Th12. Elevated protein level and lymphocytic pleocytosis were detected in the cerebrospinal fluid. A serologic blood test for SARS-CoV-2 showed recent infection. PCR for other viral infections was negative. The patient was treated with injectable steroids and showed full recovery. Specific neurological features of acute myelitis associated with COVID-19 were reported, described, and analyzed. Patient was treated and recovered. KEY WORDS: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, myelitis, complication, infectious diseases, spinal cord