A rare clinical presentation of COVID 19: opsoclonus-myoclonus ataxia syndrome


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ALTUNSOY A., Kemirtlek N., Araz H., Dirik E. B., AKINCI E.

Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, cilt.18, sa.2, ss.188-194, 2024 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 18 Sayı: 2
  • Basım Tarihi: 2024
  • Doi Numarası: 10.3855/jidc.17927
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Infection in Developing Countries
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.188-194
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: COVID-19, opsoclonus-myoclonus ataxia syndrome, corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, IVIG
  • Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
  • Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can have symptoms like many neurological diseases, and one of the rare forms of these presentations is opsoclonus-myoclonus ataxia syndrome (OMAS). The pathogenesis of OMAS in adults has not been clearly elucidated and OMAS can be fatal. Case presentation: We present a 71-year-old male patient who was admitted to the emergency department with complaints of involuntary tremor-like movements in his hands, feet and mouth, and speech impediment for three days, and was followed up with COVID-19. The patient was diagnosed with OMAS and clonazepam treatment was started. He died three days later due to respiratory arrest. Our case is the first case diagnosed with COVID-19-associated OMAS in Turkey. Discussion: OMAS has no definitive treatment. Early diagnosis and initiation of corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, if necessary, can be life-saving. In COVID-19 patients with unexplained clinical findings, awareness of different and rare diseases and a multidisciplinary approach has vital importance.