Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system which is associated with numerous comorbidities. These include cardiovascular disease, psychiatric and neurologic disturbances, restless leg syndrome, migraine, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and metabolic disorders. Comorbid disease is an important consideration for clinicians treating patients with MS; early presentation of comorbidities can obscure or delay MS diagnosis, as well as significantly impacting the disease course. Improved understanding of comorbidities and their emergence in MS populations is important for improving the quality of life and optimizing treatment for patients. Therefore, we evaluated published studies reporting epidemiologic data on comorbidities and their associated impact on disease progression in patients with MS (PwMS). The prevalence of neurologic, cardiovascular, metabolic, and autoimmune comorbidities was elevated in PwMS in general, and furthermore, this adversely affected a broad range of outcomes. Compared with PwMS, cancer rates in people without MS or the general population were lower, which should prompt further studies into the mechanisms of both diseases. Studies were under-represented in many regions owing to the latitudinal gradient of MS and possible underfunding of studies.

Background and purpose Despite the increasing number of reports on the spectrum of neurological manifestations of COVID‐19 (neuro‐COVID), few studies have assessed short‐ and long‐term outcome of the disease. Methods This is a cohort study enrolling adult patients with neuro‐COVID seen in neurological consultation. Data were collected prospectively or retrospectively in the European Academy of Neurology NEuro‐covid ReGistrY ((ENERGY). The outcome at discharge was measured using the modified Rankin Scale and defined as ‘stable/improved’ if the modified Rankin Scale score was equal to or lower than the pre‐morbid score, ‘worse’ if the score was higher than the pre‐morbid score. Status at 6 months was also recorded. Demographic and clinical variables were assessed as predictors of outcome at discharge and 6 months. Results From July 2020 to March 2021, 971 patients from 19 countries were included. 810 (83.4%) were hospitalized. 432 (53.3%) were discharged with worse functional status. Older age, stupor/coma, stroke and intensive care unit (ICU) admission were predictors of worse outcome at discharge. 132 (16.3%) died in hospital. Older age, cancer, cardiovascular complications, refractory shock, stupor/coma and ICU admission were associated with death. 262 were followed for 6 months. Acute stroke or ataxia, ICU admission and degree of functional impairment at discharge were predictors of worse outcome. 65/221 hospitalized patients (29.4%) and 10/32 non‐hospitalized patients (24.4%) experienced persisting neurological symptoms/signs. 10/262 patients (3.8%) developed new neurological complaints during the 6 months of follow‐up. Conclusions Neuro‐COVID is a severe disease associated with worse functional status at discharge, particularly in older subjects and those with comorbidities and acute complications of infection.

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The case of a 69-year-old woman with peripheral neuropathy caused by Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) in an endemic region in Eastern Austria is reported. The patient had noticed transient numbness of her left leg. On initial examination, she had patchy sensory disturbances of the left lower leg, but ancillary examinations of nerve conduction and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), including the B-cell chemokine CXCL13, were normal. A re-tap performed 54 days later, following clinical progression with foot drop, widespread lower leg paresthesia, and pain, revealed an increased cell count, autochthonous IgM production, synthesis of Borrelia-specific IgM, and elevated CXCL13. Neurophysiological examinations disclosed an incomplete conduction block, mixed axonal and demyelinating sensorimotor neuropathy, and subacute neurogenic damage of muscles innervated by the peroneal nerve. This case study presents rare evidence of very early diagnostic findings in peripheral neuropathy caused by LNB. These are characterized by insensitivity of CXCL13 in CSF to aid earlier diagnosis and the development of an intrathecal immune response against Borrelia at a later stage. These findings reinforce the need for a re-tap to confirm the diagnosis and facilitate appropriate treatment in this rare manifestation of LNB.

Das vermehrte Auftreten von Methanolvergiftungen während der COVID-19-Pandemie durch mit Methanol verunreinigte Desinfektionsmittel wird durch mehrere Berichte in der Literatur belegt. Zum einen kann der Konsum von mit Methanol verunreinigten Desinfektionsmitteln oder alkoholischen Getränken zur akuten Intoxikation führen. Zum anderen wurde eine chronische Intoxikation durch Inhalation nach Reinigung der Gesichtsmaske mit einem mit Methanol versetzten Mittel berichtet. Bei unklaren neurologischen Ausfällen mit Nachweis einer metabolischen Azidose mit Anionenlücke muss an die Methanolintoxikation gedacht werden. Essenziell ist ein schneller Therapiebeginn bereits im Verdachtsfall, um das Auftreten toxischer Metabolite zu unterbinden. Die Therapieoptionen umfassen 4‑Methylpyrazol, Ethanol, Magenspülung, Folsäure und Natriumbikarbonat. In schweren Fällen wird eine Hämodialyse durchgeführt.

In Österreich wurden seit Beginn der COVID-19(„coronavirus disease 2019“)-Pandemie über 16 Mio. Abstriche durchgeführt, wobei hier bevorzugt Nasen-Rachen-Abstriche zum Einsatz kommen. Neben Blutungen und lokalen Abszessen gibt es wenige Daten hinsichtlich möglicher schwerwiegenderer Komplikationen. Anhand von 4 Kasuistiken wird eine iatrogene Liquorfistel als mögliche Folge eines Nasen-Rachen-Abstriches aufgezeigt. Bei entsprechenden Symptomen sollte an diese seltene, jedoch potenziell lebensgefährliche Komplikation gedacht werden.