High-dose steroid-responsive COVID-19-related encephalopathy with a sudden onset of dysarthria mimicking stroke: a case report

Abstract

There has been limited research on encephalitis/encephalopathy, which is a less common coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) neurological complication. The differentiation between stroke and encephalopathy with stroke mimickers is challenging in patients with COVID-19. Here, we describe a case of COVID-19-related encephalopathy mimicking stroke that was successfully treated with high-dose steroid pulse therapy. The patient suddenly experienced language disturbance with a left facial droop and symmetric numbness in his upper limbs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans revealed hyperintensities in both the white matter and splenium. No pneumonia was observed. MRI abnormalities and neurological symptoms resolved after steroid pulse therapy and administration of remdesivir. High-dose steroid pulse treatment (for 3 days) might alleviate COVID-19-related encephalopathy.

The youngest infant with COVID-19-associated necrotizing encephalitis in Asia: A case report

“…17 Scholars have found that interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels increase in COVID-19-related encephalopathy, but decrease with clinical improvement. 18 It has been found that ANE is related to RANBP2 mutation, which shows familial inheritance. In 2009, Neilson et al 19 published a landmark article which reported that many family members suffered from ANE.…”

“…17 Scholars have found that interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels increase in COVID-19-related encephalopathy, but decrease with clinical improvement. 18…”