Treatment of Cognitive Deficits and Behavioral Symptoms Following COVID-19-Associated Autoimmune Encephalitis With Intravenous Immunoglobulin: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with long-term neuropsychiatric sequelae. We describe a 60-year-old male patient's history and symptom trajectory encompassing the development of behavioral symptoms and cognitive deficits following pneumonia and subsequent autoimmune encephalitis associated with COVID-19. We also describe changes in these facets with correlative changes in his immunological parameters after both acute intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy and chronic periodic IVIG therapy every two weeks over the course of two years. ​​​​​​We review the literature on the treatment of long COVID-19 symptoms spanning cognitive and behavioral domains. In addition, we also elucidate current literature on the role of IVIG infusions for these symptoms using our patient's presentation and improvement in symptoms as an illustrative example.