Description of electroneuromyographic alterations in patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection

Abstract

Objective: The series of cases presented describes the electrophysiological aspects presented by patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 who were referred to perform Electroneuromyography (ENMG) at a referral center. Cases details: 25 patients were evaluated to search for an association between patterns of electrophysiological impairment, presence of comorbidities and length of stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), evaluating factors possibly associated with a higher risk of involvement of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). The variables were compared by statistical tests, with p < 0.05. Only the complaint of paresthesia was significant. The diagnosis of critically ill neuropathy was the most prevalent. Final considerations: This observational study supports the SARS-CoV-2 neurotropism hypothesis, suggesting an association with different patterns of nerve involvement, either by direct viral action or by indirect mechanisms. The present study is limited by the convenience sample selection in a single center, with a limited number of participants, thus, further studies are needed to prove the association between the factors studied and the development of PNS pathologies.