Encephalitis associated with COVID-19: Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: The recent COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus of the Coronaviridae family, has resulted in approximately 769 million cases worldwide. Its clinical presentation is variable, ranging from mild symptoms to multisystem involvement. Neurological manifestations, present in 36% of cases, are attributed to the neurotropism of the virus; the most common include headache, dizziness, anosmia, and ageusia. However, cases of seizures, stroke, encephalitis, among others, have also been reported. Case Report: A 6-year-old female patient initially presented with mild respiratory symptoms, later developing behavioral changes and seizures. A nasopharyngeal swab antigen test for COVID-19 was positive. Both lumbar puncture and brain CT scan were unremarkable. Empirical treatment for neuroinfection was initiated, with subsequent satisfactory neurological recovery. Conclusion: The increase in pediatric cases with atypical forms of COVID-19, particularly with nonspecific neurological manifestations such as seizures and meningeal signs, highlights the importance of considering SARS-CoV-2–associated encephalitis. Its diagnosis represents a clinical challenge that requires the systematic exclusion of other causes, in order to guide timely management and define the prognosis of each patient.