A case of transverse myelitis post COVID-19 infection in Pakistan

Abstract

Background. COVID-19 emerged in Wuhan, China and spread rapidly, becoming a global health pandemic. The condition, apart from its typical respiratory presentation, may also cause neurological complications. Case presentation. A 35-year-old, ex-smoker presented with bilateral lower limb weakness associated with urinary incontinence and constipation following the resolution of a suspected COVID-19 infection. His MRI-Spine showed areas of abnormal densities confirming the diagnosis of transverse myelitis. On the presence of positive SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, COVID-19 was concluded as the pathological trigger for the condition. He was treated using Methylprednisolone and Plasmapheresis with supportive limb physiotherapy which led to a partial recovery of the patient’s disability. Conclusion. This is the first case of TM associated with COVID-19 in Pakistan and considering the current scenario of a global pandemic, COVID-19 needs to be considered as an important differential for not only TM but other neurological manifestations like encephalitis, neuritis etc.