Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated encephalitis after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection: a case report and retrospective case reviews

Abstract

Several cases of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody-associated encephalitis have been reported after coronavirus disease 2019 . In this case, the patient presented with focal status epilepticus with impaired awareness, auditory hallucinations, and incoherent speech after COVID-19. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed no specific findings. Cerebrospinal fluid results showed pleocytosis and MOG antibody testing confirmed anti-MOG antibody with live cell-based fluorescence-activated cell sorting assay. The patient was diagnosed with MOG antibody-associated autoimmune encephalitis and treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, rituximab, and tocilizumab. This case occurred presumably due to auto-antibody production following COVID-19.