Introduction Sars-CoV-2 induces an intense cytokine response called cytokine storm at the origin of acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and death. In this context, several treatments have been proposed; and plasmapheresis appears as a promising treatment. Case presentation We report the case of a 57-year-old patient admitted for Sars-CoV-2 infection, who requiried the use of mechanical ventilation, assistance by veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation ECMO and treated by plasmapheresis plugged on the ECMO circuit. Discussion We discuss the mechanisms responsible for the Sars-CoV-2 induced cytokine storm leading to an acute respiratory distress syndrome and the main therapeutic alternatives with emphasis on plasmapheresis. Conclusion Reduction of cytokines by plasmapheresis may be very useful in the management of Covid-19 infection if it is undertaken early even on an ECMO circuit.

Spontaneous gas effusion unrelated to assisted ventilation is a newly recognized complication of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The objective of the present study was to examine the incidence, risk factors and the outcomes of Spontaneous gas effusions. 610 cases were analyzable, with 3 patients developing spontaneous gas effusion. This latter was associated with increased intubation and a trend towards death in one case. Drainage was required in two cases. In conclusion, spontaneous gas effusions appeared to be a rare complication of severe acute respiratory syndrome. Further research is needed to investigate its pathogenesis.

Introduction: Wernicke’s encephalopathy is an acute neuropsychiatric syndrome resulting from thiamine deficiency, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis of Wernicke’s encephalopathy is based on the clinical manifestations and rapid reversal of symptoms with thiamine. Case presentation: The authors present the case of a 25-year-old female patient at the 19th week of gestation (Gravid 1 para 0) with an unremarkable medical history who was admitted to the hospital for an areflexic flaccid tetraparesis with ataxia after persistent vomiting. The brain and spinal MRIs did not reveal any abnormalities, and the evolution was marked by an important improvement after supplementation with thiamine. Conclusion: Gayet Wernicke encephalopathy is a medical emergency. Clinical symptoms are inconstant and varied. MRI is the reference examination to confirm the diagnosis, but in 40% of cases it is strictly normal. Early thiamine administration can prevent morbidity and mortality in pregnant women.