Myoclonus in patients with COVID-19: Findings of autoantibodies against brain structures in cerebrospinal fluid

Eur J Neurol. 2023 Oct;30(10):3142-3148. doi: 10.1111/ene.15958. Epub 2023 Jul 13.

Abstract

Background and purpose: COVID-19 is associated with multiple neurological manifestations. The clinical presentation, trajectory, and treatment response for three cases of myoclonus during COVID-19 infection, with no previous neurological disease, are decsribed.

Metods: Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid from the cases using indirect immunohistochemistry.

Results: Antibodies against rodent brain tissue, and similarities in staining patterns were observed, indicating the presence of antineuronal immunoglobulin G autoantibodies targeting astrocytes in the hippocampus.

Conclusion: Our results demontrate cerebrospinal fluid antineuronal antibodies indicating an an autoimmune involvment in the pathogenesis in COVID-19 associated myoclonus.

Keywords: COVID-19; astrocytes; autoantibodies; indirect immunohistochemistry; myoclonus; treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Autoantibodies
  • Brain
  • COVID-19* / complications
  • Humans
  • Myoclonus* / etiology
  • Nervous System Diseases*

Substances

  • Autoantibodies