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

**Authors:** Yumi Furuya, Go Hirose, Takeo Hokari, Kenichi Hirose

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.63065 · 2024-06-24

## 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.

## Key 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.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** Wallenberg syndrome (MONDO:0006827), COVID-19 (MONDO:0100096)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** Dysphagia (MESH:D003680), Wallenberg Syndrome (MESH:D014854), sore throat (MESH:D010612), depression (MESH:D003866), COVID-19 Infection (MESH:D000086382)

## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11269102/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11269102