Introduction:
Neurological symptoms related to COVID-19 may occur in the acute phase of the infection or in the following days. The virus has neuroinvasive and neurotrophic properties. In this way, the cerebral, spinal and peripheral nervous systems may be affected. These neurological findings can mimic stroke clinically. Neuroradiological imaging is very substantial for diagnosis. In this case report, a patient with pons and midbrain tract involvement who was evaluated in the emergency room with typical stroke symptoms is presented.
Case Report:
43-year-old female patient with severe symptoms of COVID-19. She was evaluated due to the sudden onset of neurological findings on the 9th day of infection. Neurological examination disclosed right hemihypoesthesia and hemiparesis. Atypical images were observed in diffusion MRI taken due to the preliminary diagnosis of acute cerebrovascular disease. The brain MRI showed T2 and FLAIR hyperintensity in the midbrain, pons. In the same areas, slightly hyperintensity was observed in T1. The patient was diagnosed with post-viral central nervous system involvement. She was discharged after methylprednisolone treatment.
Conclusion:
This case demonstrates the importance of neuroimaging in the effective management of patients with neurological signs associated with COVID- 19.
Key words: Neuroradiology, COVID-19, Midbrain Tracts, Pons
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