Neuroinvasive hypothesis in a case of atypical delirium in a patient with pneumonia caused by COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Objective: Delirium is the most frequent neuropsychiatric complication in patients with a severe condition caused by COVID-19. We present an atypical case from a clinical and phenomenological point of view, and we reflect on the involved etiological mechanisms. Clinical case 55-year-old male, active physician, first admitted into the conventional hospitalization unit and is clinically stable after being admitted into the Intensive Care Unit for pneumonia caused by severe COVID-19. He presents an atypical delirium with very significant memory and language disorders, which are measured psychometrically, while maintaining a good attention and alertness level. The rest of the complementary tests carried out are normal or not very conclusive. Results: The evolution during his admission is good and the recovery complete after one month of being discharged from the hospital. Conclusions: The atypical presentation and clinical evolution of this framework of delirium allow us to raise the question of the direct neuroinvasive role of COVID-19 in this case. © 2020 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and Sociedad Española de Psiquiatría y Sociedad Española de Psiquiatría Biológica