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

TL;DR

Two patients developed Wallenberg syndrome after a COVID-19 infection, highlighting the importance of early suspicion for this condition following such infections.

Contribution

The paper highlights the novel observation of Wallenberg syndrome following COVID-19 infection and emphasizes the need for early suspicion.

Findings

Two cases of Wallenberg syndrome were diagnosed after developing dysphagia following a COVID-19 infection.

Early suspicion and diagnosis of Wallenberg syndrome can be achieved by recognizing feeding problems post-COVID-19.

MRI confirmed the diagnosis of Wallenberg syndrome in both cases.

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.

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