Diaphragmatic myoclonus due to SARS-CoV-2 infection

Neurol Sci. 2020 Dec;41(12):3471-3474. doi: 10.1007/s10072-020-04766-y. Epub 2020 Oct 22.

Abstract

A wide range of neurological signs and symptoms have been associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. In the present report, we described two Italian patients diagnosed with diaphragmatic myoclonus after COVID-19. In both cases, mild lymphocytosis at cerebrospinal fluid analysis and no structural brain changes were reported. The pathophysiological origin of the myoclonus in the two cases was different. In case 1, electroencephalogram did not reveal any cortical correlates and brain imaging of the spine was unremarkable, while in case 2, cortical origin of myoclonus was demonstrated. With the present two cases, we confirm and extend the neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Keywords: COVID-19; Diaphragmatic; Myoclonus; Neurology; SARS-CoV-2.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Betacoronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / complications*
  • Diaphragm / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myoclonus / virology*
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / complications*
  • SARS-CoV-2