Late-Onset Encephalopathy Associated With SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Katie Reming
Keithan Sivakumar MD, MBA, Lehigh Valley Health Network
Negar Moheb MD, Lehigh Valley Health Network
Ahmad Nizam
Hussam A. Yacoub MD, Lehigh Valley Health Network

Abstract

Several typical and atypical neurological manifestations of viral pandemics have been reported. Neurological manifestations of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have recently been reported. In this case report, we present a patient with encephalopathy as a late neurologic manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patient initially tested positive for the novel coronavirus after presenting with fever, cough, and altered mental status. The symptoms resolved within 5 - 7 days and the patient was discharged home. He subsequently developed worsening encephalopathy in the absence of respiratory symptoms, required hospitalization, and tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Complete workup was unrevealing otherwise. We advise clinicians to be aware of late neurological manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) including encephalopathy.