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.

Bookmark

View Full Paper

Cite This Study

Dias et al. (Thu,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69d9e6b078050d08c1b7701c https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.106694

Bookmark

View Full Paper