What question did this study set out to answer?

This report aims to highlight the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 encephalitis in the absence of respiratory symptoms.

April 11, 2026Open Access

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Encephalitis With Cerebrospinal Fluid Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Positivity and Normal Neuroimaging: A Case Report

Key Points

This report aims to highlight the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 encephalitis in the absence of respiratory symptoms.
Case report of a 46-year-old male with acute delirium
Initial neuroimaging and infectious workup were unremarkable
Cerebrospinal fluid testing performed via repeat lumbar puncture
SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Patient diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2-associated encephalitis after CSF PCR positivity
No respiratory symptoms were noted during presentation
Patient achieved spontaneous recovery after diagnosis

Abstract

Neurological manifestations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are common, yet direct neuroinvasion remains a rare finding. We report the case of a 46-year-old male presenting with acute delirium and behavioral changes in the total absence of respiratory symptoms. While initial neuroimaging and infectious workups were unremarkable, a repeat lumbar puncture detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), supporting the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2-associated encephalitis. The patient experienced a spontaneous recovery, highlighting the importance of cerebrospinal fluid polymerase chain reaction (CSF PCR) testing even when systemic viral loads are undetectable.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Encephalitis With Cerebrospinal Fluid Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Positivity and Normal Neuroimaging: A Case Report

Key Points

Abstract

Cite This Study

Also Consider

Also Consider