Mild Encephalopathy With Partial Reversible Splenium Lesion Associated With SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Publication/Presentation Date

3-1-2023

Abstract

Viral-associated encephalitis/encephalopathy includes a wide spectrum of syndromes reported often in children. A rare form presents with mild encephalitis/encephalopathy and reversible splenial lesion(s). This report describes a case of this rare presentation associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in a 68-year-old woman. The patient presented to the hospital with altered mental status. Examination revealed mild encephalopathy with disorientation to date and time. Initial laboratory workup was significant for mild hypernatremia and acute kidney injury, and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for SARS-CoV-2 was positive. MRI of the brain revealed an area of hyperintensity and water restriction in the corpus callosum. The patient was treated with tocilizumab, dexamethasone, and remdesivir. MRI of the brain five weeks later revealed partial resolution of the hyperintensity, and complete resolution of the restricted diffusion previously seen in the corpus callosum, which confirmed the diagnosis of mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion. We highlight the importance of recognizing this phenomenon in association with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Volume

15

Issue

3

First Page

36421

Last Page

36421

ISSN

2168-8184

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

37090308

Department(s)

Department of Medicine, Department of Medicine Fellows and Residents

Document Type

Article

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS