Successful Treatment of Both Refractory Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome and Subsequent Catatonia With Electroconvulsive Therapy in a Patient With Suspected Kufs Disease

We describe a patient suffering from probable Kufs disease who developed a neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) after use of an antipsychotic agent over some weeks during hospitalization due to neuropsychiatric symptoms. Transferred to the neurology department, the patient quickly developed catatonic features. She did not respond to usual medical treatment but did respond to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The patient worsened following a nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infection but improved again during a second course of ECT. We discuss Kufs disease as a potential risk factor for NMS and address the link between NMS and catatonia as well as the indication for ECT in both disorders. We also discuss the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the clinical outcome. We describe the long recovery process and the secondary worsening of the patient on a cognitive level.