26th August 2024

You are called to see a 51-year-old man admitted to the acute medical ward with COVID-19

You are called to see a 51-year-old man admitted to the acute medical ward with COVID-19. Shortly after admission, a CTPA identified bilateral pulmonary embolisms for which he has been anticoagulated. He noted this evening, acute onset weakness in his legs and the nurses have asked you to review him urgently. On review, you note bilateral flaccid paralysis of his lower limbs, with absent reflexes and absent sensation. You note a sensory level of T10. He is afebrile with resolving inflammatory markers. What is the most likely cause of this patient’s symptoms?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.