Guillain Barre Syndrome and Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome as Complications of Coronavirus Disease-2019

Abstract

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a rare inflammatory disorder that most commonly occurs as a response to a preceding infection. Although GBS is most commonly associated with Campylobacter jejuni infection, several reports have indicated a relationship between the novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and GBS. Here, we present a case of a 72-year-old female diagnosed with COVID-19 who developed progressive lower and upper extremity weakness one month following her COVID-19 diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine confirmed the diagnosis of GBS and her hospital course was further complicated by posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). She responded well to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and subacute inpatient rehabilitation.