COVID-19-Associated Encephalopathy—Case Series and Clinical Considerations

Abstract

Neurological manifestations of the SARS-CoV-2 infection are present in up to 80% of the affected patients. While the majority of them is benign, in certain patients, viral replication in the central nervous system results in a severe disruption in cognitive function as well as basic life functions. In this case series, the authors present a detailed description of the three SARS-CoV-2 infection cases, which were all complicated by severe encephalopathy. Consecutive neurological status changes were described for each patient with detailed imaging and clinical sequelae. In the discussion, the authors highlight similarities in the course of the disease in presented patients, as well as common features in test results. An effective causal treatment could not be introduced in any of the patients, nor could the progression of the central nervous system (CNS) damage be stopped. The authors hope that the experiences they gathered will help to accelerate the diagnostic and therapeutic process in other patients with COVID-19-associated encephalopathy and result in introducing an effective treatment.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• covid-associated encephalopathy
• COVID-19 neurological complications
• neuroinfection