Covid-19 infection as a possible risk factor for longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis!

Abstract

Introduction There is limited data about the neurological effects of Covid-19 in infected patients. In this report, we present 2 LETM cases that are possibly associated with Covid-19 infection. Methods Here, we present 2 cases that subsequently developed LETM following Covid-19 infection. The first case presented a finding of tetraparesis prominent in the lower extremities that started ten days after the Covid-19 infection. The second patient was admitted with paraparesis and urinary-stool retention on the 12th day from the onset of symptoms of Covid-19 infection. Results In these 2 cases, LETM developing following Covid'19 infection was associated with Covid-19 infection. Although Covid-19 PCR was negative in the CSF of both patients, the Covid-19 PCR test was positive in the samples taken from the oropharynx. Conclusion The mechanism of LETM caused by Covid-19 infection is not clearly known. However, both direct infection of the spinal cord and excessive inflammatory response to primary Covid-19 infection may cause spinal cord damage. Therefore, possible Covid-19-associated myelitis should be kept in mind in cases of long segment transverse myelitis grouped under the title of NMOSD and without any etiological factor.