Retrospective analysis of 5 cases with COVID-19-associated encephalitis

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics, possible etiology, and treatment strategies for COVID-19-associated encephalitis. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical, electroencephalogram, and imaging data and laboratory examination results of five patients diagnosed with COVID-19-associated encephalitis. Results The primary clinical manifestations of the 5 patients were consciousness disturbance and epileptic seizures. The lesions shown in the electroencephalogram and imaging data were mostly located near the perisylvian fissure cortex. Laboratory examination revealed increased white blood cell count and protein levels in the CSF. SAR-COV-2 RNA and autoimmune encephalitis antibody tests were negative in two patients, and four of them showed a good response to IVIG therapy. Conclusion Direct viral infection and immune responses after infection are the main causes of COVID-19-associated encephalitis, with the latter playing a dominant role. The patients responded well to IVIG therapy.