BACKGROUND: Studies show that COVID-19 can cause neurological complications in both central and peripheral nervous systems. Plausible theories include virus-induced hyperinflammation and hypercoagulability, direct infection, and postinfectious immune processes. Our case report appears to be one of the first case reports highlighting COVID-19 infection, as a possible trigger for recurrent chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (rCIPN).

CASE REPORT: We present a case report of a 59-year-old man with rectal adenocarcinoma and a history of CIPN who experienced rCIPN after contracting COVID-19. Prior to infection, he experienced burning pain and dysesthesias in a stocking-glove distribution due to chemotherapy, with resolution of symptoms shortly after discontinuation. Unfortunately, within one week of his COVID-19 diagnosis, he experienced a return in his previous CIPN pain in a similar distribution and quality.

CONCLUSION: This case report suggests a potential role of COVID-19 infection in triggering the recurrence of CIPN, emphasizing the need for further research.

KEYWORDS: COVID-19, cancer pain, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, neuropathic pain, recurrent chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy