Transient monocular visual impairment as an initial symptom of COVID-19 infection in an individual with multiple sclerosis receiving teriflunomide

Neurol Sci. 2021 May;42(5):1661-1664. doi: 10.1007/s10072-021-05097-2. Epub 2021 Feb 3.

Abstract

In December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan and rapidly spread throughout China. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, in addition to the well-known COVID-19 symptoms, various neurological symptoms have been also described in patients with COVID-19. Here, we report an unusual presentation of COVID-19 infection in a teriflunomide-treated individual with multiple sclerosis (MS) who did not interrupt teriflunomide treatment during the infection. The course of the infection was mild in this case as in other reported teriflunomide-treated individuals with COVID-19. COVID-19's presentation may be unusual in people with MS (pwMS). It can also be concluded that teriflunomide may be considered a safe disease-modifying treatment option during the pandemic.

Keywords: COVID-19; Multiple sclerosis; Teriflunomide.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • China
  • Crotonates
  • Humans
  • Hydroxybutyrates
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / complications
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / drug therapy
  • Nitriles
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Toluidines
  • Vision Disorders

Substances

  • Crotonates
  • Hydroxybutyrates
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Nitriles
  • Toluidines
  • teriflunomide