SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-A Unique Presentation of Guillain Barre Syndrome Associated With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2

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This document presents a case report of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. While COVID-19 is primarily known as a respiratory illness, the report highlights growing evidence that the virus can also affect the nervous system, causing conditions such as encephalitis, myositis, and GBS.<br /><br />The patient was a 49-year-old man who had an asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection three weeks before presenting to the emergency department with progressive weakness. His symptoms began with numbness and tingling in both legs and quickly worsened to facial weakness, weakness in the arms and bulbar muscles, and difficulty managing secretions and maintaining his airway. He had not received a COVID-19 vaccine.<br /><br />On examination, he had facial droop, lagophthalmos, decreased strength, absent reflexes, and reduced sensation in the hands and legs. Brain MRI was normal, but MRI of the thoracic and lumbar spine showed smooth enhancement of the nerve roots, supporting a peripheral nerve process. Lumbar puncture revealed markedly elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein with a mild increase in white blood cells, findings consistent with GBS. He was treated with plasmapheresis and improved gradually, eventually being discharged to rehabilitation on hospital day 7.<br /><br />The discussion emphasizes that although GBS has often been reported in older, more severely ill COVID-19 patients, this case shows it can also occur after asymptomatic infection in a relatively young, otherwise healthy person. The authors recommend maintaining a high index of suspicion for recent SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients diagnosed with GBS and suggest further research to determine whether asymptomatic infection increases GBS risk.

Asset Subtitle

Isaac Sung-Bin Cho

Meta Tag

Author List Isaac Sung-Bin Cho

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Concept COVID-19 Infection

Concept Areflexia

Concept Cerebrospinal Fluid Protein

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Indiana University

Presenting Author Isaac Sung-Bin Cho

Track Adult

Keywords

Guillain-Barré syndrome

SARS-CoV-2 infection

COVID-19

asymptomatic infection

peripheral neuropathy

plasmapheresis

nerve root enhancement

cerebrospinal fluid protein

facial weakness

bulbar weakness

Guillain-Barré Syndrome

COVID-19 Infection

Areflexia

Cerebrospinal Fluid Protein