A rare case of managing near sudden unexpected death in status epilepticus with COVID-19 infection in rural area: what is the possible cause?

Abstract

COVID-19, a pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 infection, has many fatal complications related to neurological and cardiovascular events such as seizures and arrhythmia leading to cardiac arrest. The direct and indirect mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 played a significant role to generate its clinical manifestation. Near-sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a reversal of cardiopulmonary arrest in an epileptic patient which is very dangerous if not treated well. Here we present a 27-year-old man with VF and near sudden unexpected death due to status epilepticus (SE) and COVID-19 infection that was successfully managed in a rural area emergency setting. Prompt treatment in the emergency room followed by supportive management is important for patient survival. This rare and complex case possibly happened and should be differentiated whether the cause is COVID-19 or SUDEP to establish definitive management though the supportive management is still the same. Prevention of COVID-19 complications and SUDEP should also be done to reduce morbimortality.

Keywords

• near-sudden unexpected death in epilepsy
• covid-19
• status epilepticus
• ventricular fibrillation