{"id":"31c8c79f-5e02-45cd-9668-ddae61d4973f","slug":"case-report-multiple-sclerosis-diagnosis-after-anterior-lumbar-interbody-fusion-and-presumed-covid-19-infection","title":"Case report: Multiple sclerosis diagnosis after anterior lumbar interbody fusion and presumed COVID-19 infection","authors":["Todd H. Alter","Thomas Helbig","Gino Chiappetta"],"abstract":"Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that may present with a wide variety of clinical presentations. However, there can be substantial overlap between symptoms from MS and those caused by lumbar spondylosis and/or postviral plexopathies. Case Description: A 33-year-old female with a history of an L5-S1 anterior lumbar interbody fusion and exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus developed postoperative worsening of her symptoms interpreted as “radiculopathy.” Despite a subsequent L5-S1 fusion, she continued to neurologically deteriorate and was ultimately diagnosed with MS. Conclusion: The initial symptoms/signs of MS may mimic lumbar radiculopathy and or postviral plexopathy (i.e., due to recent COVID-19). This report should serve as a warning to future spinal surgeons to better differentiate between radicular and other “complaints,” sufficient to avoid unnecessary repeated spinal surgery.","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/31c8c79f-5e02-45cd-9668-ddae61d4973f/featured/hero-1781561524545.png","publishDate":"2022-03-31T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_192_2022","categories":["Spine","Case Report"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/11494/SNI-13-125.pdf"}