Choreoathetosis and dystonia in a child with COVID-19 and multisystem inflammatory syndrome

Abstract

Neurological complications of COVID-19 or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) are well described. We report an unusual presentation in a 9-year-old girl presenting with status epilepticus, who thereafter developed choreoathetosis and dystonia. She was initially managed with intravenous immunoglobulins and methylprednisolone for presumed autoimmune encephalitis. However, she tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and met the clinical and laboratory criteria for MIS-C. She remained encephalopathic with abnormal movements and dystonia for 8 days from presentation but was discharged home with complete clinical recovery after 2 weeks.