Neuromuskuläre Komplikationen einer SARS-CoV-2-Infektion – Teil 2: Erkrankungen der Muskulatur

Abstract

Apart from disorders and diseases of the peripheral nerves, symptoms and disorders of the musculature and the neuromuscular transmission have also been described in association with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In the second part of our review we provide an overview about frequently reported symptoms, such as myalgia as well as defined disorders, such as rhabdomyolysis, myositis, myasthenia and intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired weakness, which have been described during severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections or COVID-19.Furthermore, the criteria for a causality, such as association strength, plausibility, time course, and experimental evidence for a causal association that should be applied for the COVID-19-asssociated neuromuscular conditions described in the two parts of the review are discussed. At present, in addition to anosmia, which is also known in the lay press, myalgia in particular as a nonspecific symptom are frequent sequelae of a symptomatic SARS-CoV‑2 infection. Other neuromuscular complications seem to be principally plausible (considering the pathogenesis) but apparently rare consequences of a SARS-CoV‑2 infection. Prospective or cohort studies are necessary to confirm a causality and assess the risk.