Successful ICU Care in a MERRF Patient with Severe Covid-19

Abstract

Mitochondrial myopathies are a spectrum of rare diseases caused by a genetic defect in ATP production at the level of the electron transport chain. The degree of disability is variable, but often patients are severely ill and highly susceptible to increased morbidity and mortality with infection. Covid-19 is known to be especially virulent in patients with significant comorbidities. In this case, a 27-year-old man with Myoclonus Epilepsy with Ragged Red Fibers (MERRF) presented in severe shock due to Covid-19 infection with bacterial pneumonia co-infection. The patient was successfully treated and discharged following prolonged intubation and deconditioning. This case illustrates the severity of presentation in MERRF patients with Covid-19 as well as the effectiveness of early intervention.