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A Case of Spinal Cavernous Hemangioma with Rapidly Worsening Neurological Symptoms after COVID-19 Infection

Progress in Rehabilitation Medicine, 2024 · DOI: 10.2490/prm.20240027 · Published: August 29, 2024

ImmunologyNeurologyRehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This report describes a patient with worsening neurological symptoms caused by a spinal cavernous hemangioma after infection with COVID-19. This is a rare case of intramedullary spinal cavernous hemangioma with cysto-rectal involvement in which neurological symptoms rapidly worsened following COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 is associated with various extrapulmonary manifestations and may increase the risk of hemorrhage in cases of intramedullary spinal cavernous hemangioma.

Study Duration
5 Months
Participants
1 Woman in her 30s
Evidence Level
Case Report

Key Findings

  • 1
    COVID-19 infection may exacerbate bleeding from a spinal cavernous hemangioma, leading to a rapid deterioration of neurological symptoms.
  • 2
    The patient's functional prognosis after surgery and rehabilitation was similar to that of typical postoperative cases of intramedullary spinal cavernous hemangiomas, despite the COVID-19 infection.
  • 3
    The case highlights the importance of monitoring for neurological symptom exacerbation due to bleeding in COVID-19 patients with intramedullary cavernous hemangioma.

Research Summary

This case report describes a woman in her 30s who experienced a rapid worsening of neurological symptoms and cysto-rectal disturbances after a COVID-19 infection, leading to the diagnosis and surgical resection of a spinal cavernous hemangioma. Despite an initial spinal cord injury, the patient regained significant motor function through rehabilitation, progressing from complete paraplegia to walking with assistive devices. The authors suggest that COVID-19 may have contributed to hemorrhage from the cavernous hemangioma, and that careful monitoring and rehabilitation are essential in such cases.

Practical Implications

Increased Awareness

Clinicians should be aware of the potential for COVID-19 to exacerbate bleeding in patients with spinal cavernous hemangiomas.

Early Intervention

Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention may be necessary in cases of rapid neurological deterioration following COVID-19 infection.

Rehabilitation Focus

Rehabilitation should focus on functional improvement, with careful monitoring of blood pressure and consideration of potential COVID-19 sequelae.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    Single case report limits generalizability
  • 2
    Underlying mechanisms of COVID-19 and hemangioma hemorrhage not fully understood
  • 3
    Long-term effects of COVID-19 on cavernous hemangioma not known

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