COVID-19 associated meningoencephalitis or a neuropsychiatric manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus-a diagnostic dilemma

Sipani Shrayhans; Khosla Pooja; Taneja Vinus; Dessai Rishikesh

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20232133

Authors

Sipani Shrayhans Department of Internal Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
Khosla Pooja Department of Internal Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
Taneja Vinus Department of Internal Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
Dessai Rishikesh Department of Internal Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20232133

Keywords:

Systemic lupus erythematosus, Post COVID-19, Meningoencephalitis, IVIG

Abstract

The infection with SARS-CoV-2 is associated with fever and respiratory symptoms but is not limited to respiratory system only. Since its appearance, several neurological symptoms have been reported, most commonly headache and anosmia, as well as less frequent complications such as COVID-19-associated encephalitis and meningitis. In this case report, we report a 40-year-old female recently infected with SARS-CoV-2, who presented with history of high-grade fever, cough, breathlessness 12 days back followed by altered sensorium and restlessness. The patient was also found to have underlying systemic lupus erythematosus which surfaced post-COVID-19 infection. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis was done and the patient received IVIG therapy and showed dramatic improvement. SARS-CoV-2 has been implicated in development of autoimmune diseases.

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