Two Cases Diagnosed With Wallenberg Syndrome After Developing Dysphagia Following COVID-19 Infection

Cureus. 2024 Jun 24;16(6):e63065. doi: 10.7759/cureus.63065. eCollection 2024 Jun.

Abstract

We experienced two consecutive cases of Wallenberg syndrome that developed after COVID-19 infection. Case 1 had symptoms such as a sore throat, but also complained of strong stress related to work and home at the same time. Therefore, it was initially thought due to a mental cause, but the psychiatrist denied depression and pointed out that it was a physical problem. After conducting neurological examinations and a videofluoroscopic (VF) swallowing examination, it was found to be dysphagia. Based on these findings, Wallenberg syndrome was diagnosed by MRI. Due to these events, it took a very long time to diagnose. Because of this experience, Case 2 was diagnosed with Wallenberg syndrome in a short time. Therefore, if symptoms like those in this case report such as feeding problems are observed after COVID-19 infection, it is considered meaningful to suspect Wallenberg syndrome from the beginning.

Keywords: covid-19; dysphagia; feeding problems; lateral medullary syndrome; wallenberg syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports