Neurosarcoidosis after infection with COVID-19, a case report and review of the literature

ABSTRACT

Objective: N/A Background: The full scope of the mid- and long-term effects of SARS-CoV2 infection is currently being reported. The immune response might contribute not only to the development of ARDS, but also to other systemic complications after the acute setting. Some disorders, including those of autoimmune or presumed autoimmune etiology, have been reported to be triggered, exacerbated, or unmasked during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sarcoidosis is a multi-systemic inflammatory disorder believed to occur due to an exaggerated immune response to unknown antigens in the setting of genetic susceptibility. We present a case of neuro-sarcoidosis after COVID-19. Design/Methods: Descriptive study, case report. Results: A 51-year-old right-handed female presented with multiple cranial neuropathies and paresthesia after a mild case of COVID-19. Her symptoms included vertigo, hypoacusis, balance issues, left facial palsy, and paresthesia in her upper extremities. Her brain MRI with contrast showed bilateral enhancement of the VII and VIII cranial nerves. CSF analysis showed mild protein elevation and elevated CD4CD8 ratio. Serum sIL-2R was also elevated. Her chest CT scan was abnormal, prompting a lymph node biopsy that was consistent with non-caseating granulomas. A diagnosis of probable neuro-sarcoidosis was made and she showed improvement with steroids. She was later started on methotrexate as a steroid sparing agent in the outpatient setting. Conclusions: To our knowledge, neuro-sarcoidosis has not been previously described in temporal association with COVID-19. It might be that this infection acts as one of the triggers for sarcoidosis. Some common pathways shared by these conditions could explain the possibility of such a trigger. These pathways include the ACE2 receptor, the TMRPPS gene, and certain cytokines. When aberrant, causing incomplete clearance of an antigen, these pathways might lead to the formation of granulomas. Further research surrounding the non-immediate effects of the novel coronavirus is needed to better delineate possible autoimmune consequences of this serious infection.