A post COVID complication: Restless Anal Syndrome
Coronavirus or COVID-19 is known for its wide range of symptoms leaving a long-lasting impact on people infected with it. Long Covid-19 or post-Covid-19 syndrome has deeply impacted our lives in various ways. Symptoms ranging from persistent cough, fatigue to a continued loss of sense of smell and taste, and even rare symptoms like restless anal syndrome.
Recently, a 77-year-old man in Japan was diagnosed with a rare condition known as “Restless Anal Syndrome”. This is associated with deep anal discomfort. This man was previously infected with Covid-19 and developed mild symptoms. It was reported that after weeks of recovery and testing negative for the virus the old man developed restless, deep anal discomfort. This was almost 10 cm from the perineal region.
The restless anal syndrome is believed to be a variant of restless leg syndrome (RLS), which has also been linked to a small number of COVID-19 cases. Similar to restless leg syndrome, the patient with restless anal syndrome feels a constant urge to use the bathroom.
Is Restless Anal Syndrome a Valid Symptom of COVID-19?
While you've probably memorized the main symptoms of COVID-19 by now, it never hurts to repeat them. These are the major signs of the virus to look out for, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
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Fever or chills
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Cough
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Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
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Fatigue
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Muscle or body aches
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Headache
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New loss of taste or smell
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Sore throat
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Congestion or runny nose
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Nausea or vomiting
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Diarrhea
Specifically, COVID-19 infection may increase people’s urges to poop. This symptom is linked to a small number of Covid-19 cases.
In the recent case, the patient did not experience bladder or rectal disturbance or erectile dysfunction. Neurological tests were performed but doctors did not find any abnormalities and the patient had no family history of RLS or periodic limb movements.
Not much is known about this post COVID syndrome as only one case has been reported yet.
What are the symptoms of Restless Anal Syndrome?
As per the report published in BMC Infectious Diseases, although an old patient with COVID-19 improved to normal respiratory function 21 days after admission. However, the symptoms such as insomnia and anxiety remained. Several weeks after discharge, the old man gradually began to experience restless, deep anal discomfort, approximately 10 cm from the perianal region. This is believed to be a neurological, sensorimotor disorder, but a highly under-diagnosed disorder.
The doctors performed a colonoscopy, which revealed internal hemorrhoids without other rectal lesions. Several other tests such as neurological tests were also conducted. The findings include deep tendon reflex, perineum loss of sensory, and spinal cord injury revealed no abnormalities.
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