Respiratory Distress in SARS-CoV-2 without Lung Damage: Phrenic Paralysis Should Be Considered in COVID-19 Infection
  • Francois Maurier
    Hôpitaux Privés de Metz, Metz, France http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3222-8566
  • Benoit Godbert
    Hôpitaux Privés de Metz, Metz, France
  • Julie Perrin
    Hôpitaux Privés de Metz, Metz, France

Keywords

COVID-19, respiratory distress, phrenic paralysis, neurotropism

Abstract

We describe an overweight COVID-19 patient with respiratory distress preceded by anosmia/dysgeusia with no lung injury shown on CT, angio-CT or ventilation/perfusion scans. Orthopnoea and paradoxical abdominal respiration were identified. Phrenic paralysis, demonstrated by examination of patient breathing, and on x-ray while standing breathing in and out, explained the respiratory distress. This is a rare and previously undescribed neurological complication of COVID-19 infection caused by vagus nerve injury.

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References

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    Published: 2020-05-21
    Issue: 2020: Vol 7 No 6 (view)

    How to cite:
    1.
    Maurier F, Godbert B, Perrin J. Respiratory Distress in SARS-CoV-2 without Lung Damage: Phrenic Paralysis Should Be Considered in COVID-19 Infection. EJCRIM 2020;7 doi:10.12890/2020_001728.

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