acute transverse myelitis in a hiv positive patient with covid 19

• DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.4018955
• Publication Date: 2020-08-02
• Authors: Nemtan, Victor; Hacina, Evghenia; Topciu, Galina; Manole, Elena; Lisnic, Vitalie; Thurnher, Majda; Von Kummer, Rüdiger
• Keywords: neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder; R; 610; COVID-19; UDC: 616.832-002-031.11:616.98:578.828.6+616.98:578.834.1; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; transverse myelitis; 0302 clinical medicine; covid-19; 616; Medicine

Abstract Immunocompromised status keeps on being a challenge for a neurologist, especially in the context of the coronavirus disease – 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. We report a clinical case of a human-immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - positive patient who developed an acute transverse myelitis. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination showed longitudinally extensive spinal cord abnormality, and laboratory tests confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patient responded to methylprednisolone pulse therapy and therapeutic plasma exchange. No cases of HIV-positive patients with myelitis and COVID-19 has been reported yet.