A first case report of a patient with cervical spondylotic myelopathy and COVID-19.
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SARS-CoV-2 can cause a neurological decline in patients with chronic spinal disorders.
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Sites of compressive myelopathy may be at risk for detrimental effects of the virus.
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Steroids may be useful for spinal cord injury associated with COVID-19.
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COVID-19 has a significant impact on the routine workflow at spine surgery centers.
Abstract
Introduction
Besides typical respiratory symptoms, the coronavirus disease 2019, also known as COVID-19, is characterized by a wide range of neurological symptoms that result from the injury of the brain and peripheral nerves. Only a few reports have described the involvement of the spinal cord among COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, little is known about the risk of individuals with chronic degenerative conditions of the spine for acute neurological complications of COVID-19.
Case presentation
Here, we describe the case of a 73-year-old man with a subclinical cervical multifocal spondylotic myelopathy that manifested neurological symptoms of spinal cord injury only some days after getting infected with SARS-CoV-2. The patient did not show any data associated with respiratory involvement and improved clinically after decompressive spinal surgery and administration of steroids.
Conclusions
This is the first reported case of an acute exacerbation of a chronic degenerative condition of the spine caused by COVID-19.
