A possible Guillain-Barré syndrome/transverse myelitis overlap syndrome after recent COVID-19.

Neurological manifestations are common in SARS-CoV-2 infection, including life-threatening acute muscle weakness, due to neuromuscular disorders such as acute transverse myelitis (TM) and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). These syndromes can rarely coexist and present as an overlap syndrome. Here, we report a patient who developed acute symmetrical proximal lower limb weakness 5 days after diagnosis of COVID-19. GBS was diagnosed due to the presence of motor signs, albumin-cytological dissociation in cerebrospinal fluid examination and axonal damage according to nerve condition tests. However, abnormal areas on MRI of the thoracic spine and lack of improvement with intravenous immunoglobulin supported a diagnosis of TM. Therefore, a possible overlap between GBS and TM was established. To our knowledge, this is the third case report of GBS/TM overlap syndrome after COVID-19. The patient's full and rapid recovery with intravenous corticosteroids and plasmapheresis supports our diagnosis.

Treatment of Severe Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura Associated with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND COVID-19 is associated with many hematological manifestations, including lymphopenia and thrombosis. There have been rare occasions in which thrombocytopenia has been reported as the sole clinical presentation of COVID-19. CASE REPORT This is the case report of a 48-year-old Hispanic female patient with COVID-19 presenting as severe isolated thrombocytopenia. The patient presented to the Emergency Department with hemoptysis, spontaneous bruising, and excessive vaginal bleeding and also reported a recent flu-like illness. On examination, she was found to have bilateral subconjunctival hemorrhage, diffuse oral ulcers, epigastric abdominal tenderness, and ecchymosis on her chest, with scattered petechiae and palpable purpura on her lower limbs. Laboratory results were significant for a platelet count of 0×109 and an immature platelet fraction of 34.1%. Owing to clinical suspicion, the patient was tested for COVID-19, and her test result was positive. She was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, prednisone, rituximab, vitamin C, and zinc. Upon achieving hemodynamic stability, she was discharged to follow up with a hematologist in the outpatient setting. CONCLUSIONS Hematological consequences of COVID-19 are becoming more prevalent. The mechanism behind this manifestation could be bone marrow failure, formation of platelet autoantibodies, or consumptive coagulopathy. These critical manifestations are necessary to manage, especially in severe forms like in our patient. Steroids and rituximab combination therapy have proven to be the most effective regimen.