Parsonage Turner syndrome after cervical trauma and COVID-19 infection: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Parsonage Turner syndrome is an uncommon condition characterized by acute onset shoulder pain, followed by neurologic deficits such as weakness and paresthesia. It is a condition that is thought to be immune-mediated, and triggered by several recognized factors such as trauma, surgery, infections, and immunizations. Upper extremity Parsonage Turner syndrome may affect any distribution of the brachial plexus and most commonly presents unilaterally. Clinical history and examination are the basis of diagnosis, although electrodiagnostic studies may be important for confirmation. Magnetic resonance and ultrasonographic studies have also been effectively used in the diagnosis of Parsonage Turner syndrome. The case herein presents a patient with multiple possible triggers of Parsonage Turner syndrome. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present a case of 62-year-old Caucasian male with bilateral radicular pain and weakness in the upper extremities after cervical spine surgery for a fracture in a patient that was infected with COVID-19. The patient underwent electrodiagnostic testing, as well as ultrasonographic studies that demonstrated Parsonage Turner syndrome. A literature review on Parsonage Turner syndrome associated with trauma, surgery and COVID-19 was also performed. CONCLUSIONS: Most cases of Parsonage Turner syndrome have a known associated risk factor. The patient in this report is unique in that they had several known risk factors for Parsonage Turner syndrome simultaneously. For timely and accurate diagnosis, it is important to consider the potential triggers of Parsonage Turner syndrome including trauma, surgery and viral illnesses such as COVID-19.