Confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 encephalitis in cerebrospinal fluid: a case report

BACKGROUND: Patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection show various clinical manifestations, including neurological . Altered consciousness due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 encephalitis is a very threatening condition if not treated immediately. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 34-year-old Asian female who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection using a nasopharyngeal swab sample and presented with acute changes in consciousness without typical respiratory symptoms. Empiric therapy was immediately and simultaneously given with cerebrospinal fluid analysis using polymerase chain reaction, which later also showed positive results for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to consider the diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 encephalitis when a patient presents with acute altered consciousness and no typical respiratory symptoms. Early empiric therapy can improve patient outcomes.