Title : COVID Infection and the Surprise Guillain Barre Syndrome Diagnosis
Abstract:
The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic in February 2020, and it has affected the life of each and everyone. COVID-19 is designated as severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It causes an acute inflammatory process in the body, which is hypothesized to be the basis of Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS), which is often triggered when an immune response to an antecedent infection or another event cross-reacts with the shared epitopes on peripheral nerves in a process called molecular mimicry. Classic symptoms included ascending paralysis, blurry vision, and weakness. Diagnosis is by lumbar puncture which will demonstrate albuminocytological dissociation, and treatment is by Intravenous Immune Globulin therapy (IVIG). Here we present a case of Guillain Barre Syndrome in an adult who was recently infected with COVID-19 and still in the active phase of the infection. The patient originally presented with complete lower extremity paralysis and tested positive for COVID-19 on admission. As an MRI of the full spine was negative, the patient underwent a lumbar puncture which was suggestive of Guillain Barre Syndrome. After a five-day course of IVIG, the patient had complete resolution of his symptoms.
What will audience learn from your presentation?
- As new information is being discovered about COVID-19 every day, we hope to demonstrate the association between COVID-19 and GBS.
- We hope to help medical professionals recognize the clinical presentation of GBS in a patient with an active COVD-19 infection, and the workup, management, and treatment associated with GBS.
- We hope to familiarize the audience regarding the association between COVID-19 and GBS, and aid in the early recognition and diagnostic approach regarding GBS.
