Post COVID-19 transverse myelitis; a case report with review of literature
Shwan Abubakr Ahmad, Karokh H. Salih, Shaho F. Ahmed, Fahmi H. Kakamad, Abdulwahid M. Salh, Marwan N. Hassan, Karukh K. Mohammed, Shvan H. Mohammed, Rawezh Q. Salih, Dahat A. Hussein
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2). Recently, various complications have been reported. The aim of the current study is to report a rare case of transverse myelitis after recovering from COVID-19. CASE REPORT: A 34-year-old lady, presented with inability to walk for one day duration due to the lower limb weakness. After two weeks from the recovery of COVID-19; she developed progressive intermittent leg pain, paresthesia and weakness on both sides. Brain and cervical MRI showed evidence of a short segment inflammatory enhancing lesion at upper cervical region (at C1 level). The patient was treated conservatively. DISCUSSION: Transverse myelitis has many different causes, it occurs as an autoimmune phenomenon post-infection and vaccination, or it may result from direct infection or acquired demyelinating disease like multiple sclerosis. CONCLUSION: Although it is a sporadic finding, SARS-CoV-2 can cause transverse myelitis. The condition responds to medical therapy.