Osmotic Demyelination syndrome after presumed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection: A case report

Abstract

Abstract Osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) is a rare and rapidly progressive metabolic demyelinating disease with poor prognosis. This article describes a case of a 61-year-old female who had a history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection 10 days prior to the onset of symptoms. The patient presented with fever, poor appetite, vomiting and gradually developed consciousness impairment. Based on the clinical presentation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, a diagnosis of ODS was made, with both central pontine myelinolysis and extrapontine myelinolysis observed. After receiving treatment with dexamethasone, nutritional support and systemic rehabilitation, the patient's consciousness improved and speech,swallowing and limb strength all improved. Here we report, the human case linking a presumed SARS-CoV-2 infection to the development of ODS.