Case Reports

Choreoathetosis and dystonia in a child with COVID‑19 and multisystem inflammatory syndrome

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P Z Mteshana, K D Naidoo, V Rowjee, M P K Hauptfleisch, Z Dangor

Abstract


Neurological complications of COVID-19 or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) are well described. We report an unusual presentation in a 9-year-old girl presenting with status epilepticus, who thereafter developed choreoathetosis and dystonia. She was initially managed with intravenous immunoglobulins and methylprednisolone for presumed autoimmune encephalitis. However, she tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and met the clinical and laboratory criteria for MIS-C. She remained encephalopathic with abnormal movements and dystonia for 8 days from presentation but was discharged home with complete clinical recovery after 2 weeks.

Authors' affiliations

P Z Mteshana, Department of Paediatrics and Child Heath, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

K D Naidoo, Paediatric Critical Care, Department of Critical Care, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

V Rowjee, Paediatric Critical Care, Department of Critical Care, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

M P K Hauptfleisch, Department of Paediatrics and Child Heath, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

Z Dangor, Paediatric Critical Care, Department of Critical Care, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

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Cite this article

South African Journal of Child Health 2021;15(4):228.

Article History

Date submitted: 2022-02-01
Date published: 2022-02-01

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