Miller-Fisher syndrome after COVID-19 (Case report and literature review)

Abstract

Background: Infection with SARS-CoV-2 can cause COVID-19, which mainly affects the respiratory system. However, neurological complications are frequent, including the group of acquired immune-mediated demyelinating neuropathies (NDAI), including Miller-Fisher syndrome (SMF), characterized by the triad of ophthalmoparesis, ataxia and areflexia. Infection with C. jejuni is the main precipitant of NDAI, but viruses are also related. Objectives: This report aims to describe a case of SMF with concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection, seen at a tertiary hospital in Northern Paraná and to compare it with the literature. Design and setting: case report of a patient at the hospital neurology service of the Evangelical Hospital, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil. Methods: Report a case of SMF right after confirmation of COVID-19 seen at a tertiary hospital in Northern Paraná and compare it with the literature. Results: Male, 70 years old, white, evolved with progressive and symmetrical crural paraparesis 17 days after confirmation of COVID-19. Upon admission, he presented ataxia, paraesthesia, and crural myotactic areflexia with no signs of pyramidal release, and a score on the Medical Research Council (MRC) muscle strength scale of 58 points. Analysis of CSF with albumin-cytological dissociation. Treatment was performed with intravenous human immunoglobulin (IVIG) and discharged after six days of hospitalization with partial symptomatic improvement. We compared this case with those described in the published literature. Not found Brazilian case published to date. Conclusion: Rare case report of SMF by SARS-CoV-2. The relationship has consistency, temporality, biological plausibility, coherence and analogy compatible with the current literature. Studies with a higher level of evidence are needed to determine the strength of such an association.