1
|
Power Guerra N, Bierkämper M, Pablik J, Hummel T, Witt M. Histochemical Evidence for Reduced Immune Response in Nasal Mucosa of Patients with COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4427. [PMID: 38674011 PMCID: PMC11050322 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The primary entry point of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the nasal mucosa, where viral-induced inflammation occurs. When the immune response fails against SARS-CoV-2, understanding the altered response becomes crucial. This study aimed to compare SARS-CoV-2 immunological responses in the olfactory and respiratory mucosa by focusing on epithelia and nerves. Between 2020 and 2022, we obtained post mortem tissues from the olfactory cleft from 10 patients with histologically intact olfactory epithelia (OE) who died with or from COVID-19, along with four age-matched controls. These tissues were subjected to immunohistochemical reactions using antibodies against T cell antigens CD3, CD8, CD68, and SARS spike protein for viral evidence. Deceased patients with COVID-19 exhibited peripheral lymphopenia accompanied by a local decrease in CD3+ cells in the OE. However, SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was sparsely detectable in the OE. With regard to the involvement of nerve fibers, the present analysis suggested that SARS-CoV-2 did not significantly alter the immune response in olfactory or trigeminal fibers. On the other hand, SARS spike protein was detectable in both nerves. In summary, the post mortem investigation demonstrated a decreased T cell response in patients with COVID-19 and signs of SARS-CoV-2 presence in olfactory and trigeminal fibers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Power Guerra
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01309 Dresden, Germany; (N.P.G.); (M.B.); (T.H.)
| | - Martin Bierkämper
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01309 Dresden, Germany; (N.P.G.); (M.B.); (T.H.)
| | - Jessica Pablik
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01309 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01309 Dresden, Germany; (N.P.G.); (M.B.); (T.H.)
| | - Martin Witt
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biostructural Foundations of Medical Sciences, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 61-781 Poznań, Poland
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01309 Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ollila H, Pihlajamaa J, Martola J, Kuusela L, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Salmela V, Hokkanen L, Tiainen M, Hästbacka J. Brain magnetic resonance imaging findings six months after critical COVID-19: A prospective cohort study. J Crit Care 2024; 80:154502. [PMID: 38113746 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2023.154502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 patients suffered from neurological symptoms in the acute phase. Whether this led to long-term consequences was unknown. We studied long-term brain MRI findings in ICU-treated COVID-19 patients and compared them with findings in groups with less severe acute disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this prospective cohort study, 69 ICU-treated, 46 ward-treated, and 46 home-isolated patients, as well as 53 non-COVID-19 controls, underwent brain MRI six months after acute COVID-19. Plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL), a biomarker of neuroaxonal injury, was measured simultaneously. RESULTS Ischaemic infarctions existed in 5.8% of ICU-treated patients. Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) existed in 27 (39.1%) ICU-treated, 13 (28.3%) ward-treated, 8 (17.4%) home-isolated COVID-19 patients, and 12 (22.6%) non-COVID controls. Patients with CMBs were older (p < 0.001), had a higher level of plasma NfL (p = 0.003), and higher supplementary oxygen days (p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, age (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02-1.09) and supplementary oxygen days (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02-1.13) were associated with CMBs. The ICU group showed prevalent distribution of CMBs in deep regions. CONCLUSION Age and supplementary oxygen days were independently associated with CMBs; COVID-19 status showed no association. Accumulation of risk factors in the ICU group may explain the higher prevalence of CMBs. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.govNCT04864938, registered February 9, 2021.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henriikka Ollila
- Department of Perioperative, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Janne Pihlajamaa
- HUS Medical Imaging Centre, Radiology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Juha Martola
- HUS Medical Imaging Centre, Radiology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Linda Kuusela
- HUS Medical Imaging Centre, Radiology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden; Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden; Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden; Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK; Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China; UW Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Viljami Salmela
- Department of Psychology and Logopaedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Laura Hokkanen
- Department of Psychology and Logopaedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marjaana Tiainen
- Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johanna Hästbacka
- Department of Perioperative, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rhally A, Bommarito G, Uginet M, Breville G, Stancu P, Accorroni A, Assal F, Lalive PH, Lövblad KO, Allali G. High-dose glucocorticoids in COVID-19 patients with acute encephalopathy: clinical and imaging findings in a retrospective cohort study. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2024; 131:377-384. [PMID: 38363389 PMCID: PMC11016005 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-024-02751-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Acute encephalopathy (AE) has been described as a severe complication of COVID-19. Inflammation has been suggested as a pathogenic mechanism, with high-dose glucocorticoids (GC) showing a beneficial effect. Here, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical and radiological features in a group of COVID-19 AE patients who received GC treatment (GT) and in a non-treated (NT) group. METHOD Thirty-six patients with COVID-19 AE (mean age 72.6 ± 11 years; 86.11% men) were evaluated for GC treatment. Twelve patients (mean age 73.6 ± 4.5 years; 66.67% men) received GC, whereas 24 patients who showed signs of spontaneous remission were not treated with GC (mean age 70.1 ± 8.6 years; 95.83% men). Differences in clinical characteristics and correlations with imaging features were explored. RESULTS The GT group showed signs of vulnerability, with a longer hospitalization (p = 0.009) and AE duration (p = 0.012) and a higher hypertensive arteriopathy (HTNA) score (p = 0.022), when compared to NT group. At hospital discharge, the two groups were comparable in terms of clinical outcome (modified Rankin scale; p = 0.666) or mortality (p = 0.607). In our whole group analyses, AE severity was positively correlated with periventricular white matter hyperintensities (p = 0.011), deep enlarged perivascular spaces (p = 0.039) and HTNA score (p = 0.014). CONCLUSION This study suggests that, despite signs of radiological vulnerability and AE severity, patients treated by high-dose GC showed similar outcome at discharge, with respect to NT patients. Imaging features of cerebral small vessel disease correlated with AE severity, supporting the hypothesis that brain structural vulnerability can impact AE in COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Rhally
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Giulia Bommarito
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marjolaine Uginet
- Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gautier Breville
- Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Stancu
- Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alice Accorroni
- Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Frédéric Assal
- Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Patrice H Lalive
- Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Diagnostic Department, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Karl-Olof Lövblad
- Division of Neuroradiology, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gilles Allali
- Division of Cognitive and Motor Aging, Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY, USA
- Leenaards Memory Center, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
McClelland AC, Benitez SJ, Burns J. COVID-19 neuroimaging update: pathophysiology, acute findings, and post-acute developments. Semin Ultrasound CT MR 2024:S0887-2171(24)00026-X. [PMID: 38518814 DOI: 10.1053/j.sult.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 has prominent effects on the nervous system with important manifestations on neuroimaging. In this review, we discuss the neuroimaging appearance of acute COVID-19 that became evident during the early stages of the pandemic. We highlight the underlying pathophysiology mediating nervous system effects and neuroimaging appearances including systemic inflammatory response such as cytokine storm, coagulopathy, and para/post-infections immune mediated phenomena. We also discuss the nervous system manifestations of COVID-19 and the role of imaging as the pandemic has evolved over time, including related to the development of vaccines and the emergence of post-acute sequalae such as long COVID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Judah Burns
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Bronx, NY, Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center; Bronx, NY.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rhodes RH, Love GL, Da Silva Lameira F, Sadough Shahmirzadi M, Fox SE, Vander Heide RS. Acute neutrophilic vasculitis (leukocytoclasia) in 36 COVID-19 autopsy brains. Diagn Pathol 2024; 19:33. [PMID: 38360666 PMCID: PMC10870569 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-024-01445-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypercytokinemia, the renin-angiotensin system, hypoxia, immune dysregulation, and vasculopathy with evidence of immune-related damage are implicated in brain morbidity in COVID-19 along with a wide variety of genomic and environmental influences. There is relatively little evidence of direct SARS-CoV-2 brain infection in COVID-19 patients. METHODS Brain histopathology of 36 consecutive autopsies of patients who were RT-PCR positive for SARS-CoV-2 was studied along with findings from contemporary and pre-pandemic historical control groups. Immunostaining for serum and blood cell proteins and for complement components was employed. Microcirculatory wall complement deposition in the COVID-19 cohort was compared to historical control cases. Comparisons also included other relevant clinicopathological and microcirculatory findings in the COVID-19 cohort and control groups. RESULTS The COVID-19 cohort and both the contemporary and historical control groups had the same rate of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. The COVID-19 cohort had varying amounts of acute neutrophilic vasculitis with leukocytoclasia in the microcirculation of the brain in all cases. Prominent vascular neutrophilic transmural migration was found in several cases and 25 cases had acute perivasculitis. Paravascular microhemorrhages and petechial hemorrhages (small brain parenchymal hemorrhages) had a slight tendency to be more numerous in cohort cases that displayed less acute neutrophilic vasculitis. Tissue burden of acute neutrophilic vasculitis with leukocytoclasia was the same in control cases as a group, while it was significantly higher in COVID-19 cases. Both the tissue burden of acute neutrophilic vasculitis and the activation of complement components, including membrane attack complex, were significantly higher in microcirculatory channels in COVID-19 cohort brains than in historical controls. CONCLUSIONS Acute neutrophilic vasculitis with leukocytoclasia, acute perivasculitis, and associated paravascular blood extravasation into brain parenchyma constitute the first phase of an immune-related, acute small-vessel inflammatory condition often termed type 3 hypersensitivity vasculitis or leukocytoclastic vasculitis. There is a higher tissue burden of acute neutrophilic vasculitis and an increased level of activated complement components in microcirculatory walls in COVID-19 cases than in pre-pandemic control cases. These findings are consistent with a more extensive small-vessel immune-related vasculitis in COVID-19 cases than in control cases. The pathway(s) and mechanism for these findings are speculative.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roy H Rhodes
- Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 7th Floor, 2021 Perdido Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112, USA.
| | - Gordon L Love
- Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 7th Floor, 2021 Perdido Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112, USA
| | - Fernanda Da Silva Lameira
- Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 7th Floor, 2021 Perdido Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112, USA
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Norfolk, Virginia, 23510, USA
| | - Maryam Sadough Shahmirzadi
- Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 7th Floor, 2021 Perdido Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112, USA
| | - Sharon E Fox
- Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 7th Floor, 2021 Perdido Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112, USA
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Services, Southeast Louisiana Veterans Healthcare System, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112, USA
| | - Richard S Vander Heide
- Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 7th Floor, 2021 Perdido Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112, USA
- Marshfield Clinic Health System, Marshfield, Wisconsin, 54449, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Weissert R. Nervous system-related tropism of SARS-CoV-2 and autoimmunity in COVID-19 infection. Eur J Immunol 2024; 54:e2250230. [PMID: 37733584 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202250230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
The effects of SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 on the nervous system are incompletely understood. SARS-CoV-2 can infect endothelial cells, neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes with consequences for the host. There are indications that infection of these CNS-resident cells may result in long-term effects, including emergence of neurodegenerative diseases. Indirect effects of infection with SARS-CoV-2 relate to the induction of autoimmune disease involving molecular mimicry or/and bystander activation of T- and B cells and emergence of autoantibodies against various self-antigens. Data obtained in preclinical models of coronavirus-induced disease gives important clues for the understanding of nervous system-related assault of SARS-CoV-2. The pathophysiology of long-COVID syndrome and post-COVID syndrome in which autoimmunity and immune dysregulation might be the driving forces are still incompletely understood. A better understanding of nervous-system-related immunity in COVID-19 might support the development of therapeutic approaches. In this review, the current understanding of SARS-CoV-2 tropism for the nervous system, the associated immune responses, and diseases are summarized. The data indicates that there is viral tropism of SARS-CoV-2 in the nervous system resulting in various disease conditions. Prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection by means of vaccination is currently the best strategy for the prevention of subsequent tissue damage involving the nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Weissert
- Department of Neurology, University of Regensburg Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang S, Zhang L, Ma L, Wu H, Liu L, He X, Gao M, Li R. Neuropsychological, plasma marker, and functional connectivity changes in Alzheimer's disease patients infected with COVID-19. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1302281. [PMID: 38187359 PMCID: PMC10766841 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1302281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Patients with COVID-19 may experience various neurological conditions, including cognitive impairment, encephalitis, and stroke. This is particularly significant in individuals who already have Alzheimer's disease (AD), as the cognitive impairments can be more pronounced in these cases. However, the extent and underlying mechanisms of cognitive impairments in COVID-19-infected AD patients have yet to be fully investigated through clinical and neurophysiological approaches. Methods This study included a total of 77 AD patients. Cognitive functions were assessed using neuropsychiatric scales for all participants, and plasma biomarkers of amyloid protein and tau protein were measured in a subset of 25 participants. To investigate the changes in functional brain connectivity induced by COVID-19 infection, a cross-sectional neuroimaging design was conducted involving a subset of 37 AD patients, including a control group of 18 AD participants without COVID-19 infection and a COVID-19 group consisting of 19 AD participants. Results For the 77 AD patients between the stages of pre and post COVID-19 infection, there were significant differences in cognitive function and psychobehavioral symptoms on the Montreal Scale (MoCA), the neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI), the clinician's global impression of change (CIBIC-Plus), and the activity of daily living scale (ADL). The COVID-19 infection significantly decreased the plasma biomarker level of Aβ42 and increased the plasma p-tau181 level in AD patients. The COVID-19-infected AD patients show decreased local coherence (LCOR) in the anterior middle temporal gyrus and decreased global correlation (GCOR) in the precuneus and the medial prefrontal cortex. Conclusion The findings suggest clinical, cognitive, and neural alterations following COVID-19 infection in AD patients and emphasize the need for close monitoring of symptoms in AD patients who have had COVID-19 and further exploration of the underlying mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shouzi Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Beijing Geriatric Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Beijing Geriatric Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Psychiatry, Beijing Geriatric Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyan Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, Beijing Geriatric Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lixin Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Beijing Geriatric Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xuelin He
- Department of Psychiatry, Beijing Geriatric Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Maolong Gao
- Department of Science and Technology, Beijing Geriatric Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Younger DS. Postmortem neuropathology in COVID-19: An update. Brain Pathol 2023; 33:e13204. [PMID: 37563942 PMCID: PMC10579998 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David S. Younger
- Departments of Clinical Medicine and NeuroscienceCity University of New York Medical SchoolNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Stüdle C, Nishihara H, Wischnewski S, Kulsvehagen L, Perriot S, Ishikawa H, Schroten H, Frank S, Deigendesch N, Du Pasquier R, Schirmer L, Pröbstel AK, Engelhardt B. SARS-CoV-2 infects epithelial cells of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier rather than endothelial cells or pericytes of the blood-brain barrier. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:76. [PMID: 37875964 PMCID: PMC10598911 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00479-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a consequence of SARS-CoV-2 infection various neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms can appear, which may persist for several months post infection. However, cell type-specific routes of brain infection and underlying mechanisms resulting in neuroglial dysfunction are not well understood. METHODS Here, we investigated the susceptibility of cells constituting the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) of the choroid plexus (ChP) to SARS-CoV-2 infection using human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cellular models and a ChP papilloma-derived epithelial cell line as well as ChP tissue from COVID-19 patients, respectively. RESULTS We noted a differential infectibility of hiPSC-derived brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) depending on the differentiation method. Extended endothelial culture method (EECM)-BMECs characterized by a complete set of endothelial markers, good barrier properties and a mature immune phenotype were refractory to SARS-CoV-2 infection and did not exhibit an activated phenotype after prolonged SARS-CoV-2 inoculation. In contrast, defined medium method (DMM)-BMECs, characterized by a mixed endothelial and epithelial phenotype and excellent barrier properties were productively infected by SARS-CoV-2 in an ACE2-dependent manner. hiPSC-derived brain pericyte-like cells (BPLCs) lacking ACE2 expression were not susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, the human choroid plexus papilloma-derived epithelial cell line HIBCPP, modeling the BCSFB was productively infected by SARS-CoV-2 preferentially from the basolateral side, facing the blood compartment. Assessment of ChP tissue from COVID-19 patients by RNA in situ hybridization revealed SARS-CoV-2 transcripts in ChP epithelial and ChP stromal cells. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that the BCSFB of the ChP rather than the BBB is susceptible to direct SARS-CoV-2 infection. Thus, neuropsychiatric symptoms because of COVID-19 may rather be associated with dysfunction of the BCSFB than the BBB. Future studies should consider a role of the ChP in underlying neuropsychiatric symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Stüdle
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Hideaki Nishihara
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Neurotherapeutics, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Sven Wischnewski
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Laila Kulsvehagen
- Departments of Neurology, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sylvain Perriot
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Neuroscience Research Centre, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hiroshi Ishikawa
- Laboratory of Clinical Regenerative Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8575, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Horst Schroten
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Stephan Frank
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nikolaus Deigendesch
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Renaud Du Pasquier
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Neuroscience Research Centre, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Service of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lucas Schirmer
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuroscience and Institute for Innate Immunoscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anne-Katrin Pröbstel
- Departments of Neurology, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Naik R, Avula S, Palleti SK, Gummadi J, Ramachandran R, Chandramohan D, Dhillon G, Gill AS, Paiwal K, Shaik B, Balachandran M, Patel B, Gurugubelli S, Mariswamy Arun Kumar AK, Nanjundappa A, Bellamkonda M, Rathi K, Sakhamuri PL, Nassar M, Bali A. From Emergence to Endemicity: A Comprehensive Review of COVID-19. Cureus 2023; 15:e48046. [PMID: 37916248 PMCID: PMC10617653 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), later renamed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), was first identified in Wuhan, China, in early December 2019. Initially, the China office of the World Health Organization was informed of numerous cases of pneumonia of unidentified etiology in Wuhan, Hubei Province at the end of 2019. This would subsequently result in a global pandemic with millions of confirmed cases of COVID-19 and millions of deaths reported to the WHO. We have analyzed most of the data published since the beginning of the pandemic to compile this comprehensive review of SARS-CoV-2. We looked at the core ideas, such as the etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, diagnostics, histopathologic findings, consequences, therapies, and vaccines. We have also included the long-term effects and myths associated with some therapeutics of COVID-19. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of the SARS-CoV-2 virology, vaccines, medicines, and significant variants identified during the course of the pandemic. Our review article is intended to provide medical practitioners with a better understanding of the fundamental sciences, clinical treatment, and prevention of COVID-19. As of May 2023, this paper contains the most recent data made accessible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roopa Naik
- Medicine, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, USA
- Internal Medicine/Hospital Medicine, Geisinger Health System, Wilkes Barre, USA
| | - Sreekant Avula
- Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Sujith K Palleti
- Nephrology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA
| | - Jyotsna Gummadi
- Internal Medicine, MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, Baltimore, USA
| | | | | | - Gagandeep Dhillon
- Physician Executive MBA, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA
- Internal Medicine, University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center, Glen Burnie, USA
| | | | - Kapil Paiwal
- Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology, Daswani Dental College & Research Center, Kota, IND
| | - Bushra Shaik
- Internal Medicine, Onslow Memorial Hospital, Jacksonville, USA
| | | | - Bhumika Patel
- Oral Medicine and Radiology, Howard University, Washington, D.C., USA
| | | | | | | | - Mahita Bellamkonda
- Hospital Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, USA
| | - Kanika Rathi
- Internal Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | | | - Mahmoud Nassar
- Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, USA
| | - Atul Bali
- Internal Medicine/Nephrology, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, USA
- Internal Medicine/Nephrology, Geisinger Health System, Wilkes-Barre, USA
- Medicine, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wei ZYD, Liang K, Shetty AK. Complications of COVID-19 on the Central Nervous System: Mechanisms and Potential Treatment for Easing Long COVID. Aging Dis 2023; 14:1492-1510. [PMID: 37163427 PMCID: PMC10529748 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) invades human cells by binding to the angiotensin-converting-enzyme-2 (ACE-2) using a spike protein and leads to Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 primarily causes a respiratory infection that can lead to severe systemic inflammation. It is also common for some patients to develop significant neurological and psychiatric symptoms. The spread of SARS-CoV-2 to the CNS likely occurs through several pathways. Once spread in the CNS, many acute symptoms emerge, and such infections could also transpire into severe neurological complications, including encephalitis or ischemic stroke. After recovery from the acute infection, a significant percentage of patients develop "long COVID," a condition in which several symptoms of COVID-19 persist for prolonged periods. This review aims to discuss acute and chronic neurological problems after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The potential mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 enters the CNS and causes neuroinflammation, neuropathological changes observed in post-mortem brains of COVID-19 patients, and cognitive and mood problems in COVID-19 survivors are discussed in the initial part. The later part of the review deliberates the causes of long COVID, approaches for noninvasive tracking of neuroinflammation in long COVID patients, and the potential therapeutic strategies that could ease enduring CNS symptoms observed in long COVID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuang-Yao D Wei
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center School of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Ketty Liang
- Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Conroe, TX, USA
| | - Ashok K Shetty
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center School of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wesselingh R. Prevalence, pathogenesis and spectrum of neurological symptoms in COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 syndrome: a narrative review. Med J Aust 2023; 219:230-236. [PMID: 37660309 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.52063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Neurological symptoms are not uncommon during severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and reflect a broad spectrum of neurological disorders of which clinicians should be aware. The underlying pathogenesis of neurological disease in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be due to four mechanisms of nervous system dysfunction and injury: i) direct viral neurological invasion; ii) immune dysregulation; iii) endothelial dysfunction and coagulopathy; and iv) severe systemic COVID-19 disease. Neurological manifestations of acute COVID-19 include headache, peripheral neuropathies, seizures, encephalitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and cerebrovascular disease. Commonly reported long term neurological sequelae of COVID-19 are cognitive dysfunction and dysautonomia, which despite being associated with severe acute disease are also seen in people with mild disease. Assessment of cognitive dysfunction after COVID-19 is confounded by a high prevalence of comorbid fatigue, anxiety, and mood disorders. However, other markers of neuroaxonal breakdown suggest no significant neuronal injury apart from during severe acute COVID-19. The long term impact of COVID-19 on neurological diseases remains uncertain and requires ongoing vigilance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robb Wesselingh
- Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
- Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sen S, Newman-Norlund R, Riccardi N, Rorden C, Newman-Norlund S, Sayers S, Fridriksson J, Logue M. Cerebral blood flow in patients recovered from mild COVID-19. J Neuroimaging 2023; 33:764-772. [PMID: 37265421 DOI: 10.1111/jon.13129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cerebral hypoperfusion has been described in both severe and mild forms of symptomatic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. The purpose of this study was to investigate global and regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) in asymptomatic COVID-19 patients. METHODS Cases with mild COVID-19 infection and age-, sex-, and race-matched healthy controls were drawn from the Aging Brain Consortium at The University of South Carolina data repository. Demographics, risk factors, and data from the Montreal Cognitive Assessment were collected. Mean CBF values for gray matter (GM), white matter (WM), and the whole brain were calculated by averaging CBF values of standard space-normalized CBF image values falling within GM and WM masks. Whole brain region of interest-based analyses were used to create standardized CBF maps and explore differences between groups. RESULTS Twenty-eight cases with prior mild COVID-19 infection were compared with 28 controls. Whole-brain CBF (46.7 ± 5.6 vs. 49.3 ± 3.7, p = .05) and WM CBF (29.3 ± 2.6 vs. 31.0 ± 1.6, p = .03) were noted to be significantly lower in COVID-19 cases as compared to controls. Predictive models based on these data predicted COVID-19 group membership with a high degree of accuracy (85.2%, p < .001), suggesting CBF patterns are an imaging marker of mild COVID-19 infection. CONCLUSION In this study, lower WM CBF, as well as widespread regional CBF changes identified using quantitative MRI, was found in mild COVID-19 patients. Further studies are needed to determine the reliability of this newly identified COVID-19 brain imaging marker and determine what drives these CBF changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Souvik Sen
- Department of Neurology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Roger Newman-Norlund
- Department of Neurology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Nicholas Riccardi
- Department of Neurology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Christopher Rorden
- Department of Neurology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Sarah Newman-Norlund
- Department of Neurology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Sara Sayers
- Department of Neurology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Julius Fridriksson
- Department of Neurology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Makenzie Logue
- Department of Neurology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Dewisme J, Lebouvier T, Vannod-Michel Q, Prevot V, Maurage CA. COVID-19 could worsen cerebral amyloid angiopathy. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2023; 82:814-817. [PMID: 37428895 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlad049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Dewisme
- Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, Lille, France
| | - Thibaud Lebouvier
- Alzheimer and Tauopathy, Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, Lille, France
| | | | - Vincent Prevot
- Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, Lille, France
| | - Claude-Alain Maurage
- Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, Lille, France
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
De Neck S, Penrice-Randal R, Clark JJ, Sharma P, Bentley EG, Kirby A, Mega DF, Han X, Owen A, Hiscox JA, Stewart JP, Kipar A. The Stereotypic Response of the Pulmonary Vasculature to Respiratory Viral Infections: Findings in Mouse Models of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A and Gammaherpesvirus Infections. Viruses 2023; 15:1637. [PMID: 37631979 PMCID: PMC10458810 DOI: 10.3390/v15081637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The respiratory system is the main target of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) where acute respiratory distress syndrome is considered the leading cause of death. Changes in pulmonary blood vessels, among which an endothelialitis/endotheliitis has been particularly emphasized, have been suggested to play a central role in the development of acute lung injury. Similar vascular changes are also observed in animal models of COVID-19. The present study aimed to determine whether the latter are specific for SARS-CoV-2 infection, investigating the vascular response in the lungs of mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses (influenza A and murine gammaherpesvirus) by in situ approaches (histology, immunohistology, morphometry) combined with RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. Non-selective recruitment of monocytes and T and B cells from larger muscular veins and arteries was observed with all viruses, matched by a comparable transcriptional response. There was no evidence of endothelial cell infection in any of the models. Both the morphological investigation and the transcriptomics approach support the interpretation that the lung vasculature in mice mounts a stereotypic response to alveolar and respiratory epithelial damage. This may have implications for the treatment and management of respiratory disease in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon De Neck
- Laboratory for Animal Model Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Rebekah Penrice-Randal
- Department of Infection Biology & Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 3RF, UK; (R.P.-R.); (J.J.C.); (P.S.); (E.G.B.); (A.K.); (D.F.M.); (X.H.); (J.A.H.); (J.P.S.)
| | - Jordan J. Clark
- Department of Infection Biology & Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 3RF, UK; (R.P.-R.); (J.J.C.); (P.S.); (E.G.B.); (A.K.); (D.F.M.); (X.H.); (J.A.H.); (J.P.S.)
| | - Parul Sharma
- Department of Infection Biology & Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 3RF, UK; (R.P.-R.); (J.J.C.); (P.S.); (E.G.B.); (A.K.); (D.F.M.); (X.H.); (J.A.H.); (J.P.S.)
| | - Eleanor G. Bentley
- Department of Infection Biology & Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 3RF, UK; (R.P.-R.); (J.J.C.); (P.S.); (E.G.B.); (A.K.); (D.F.M.); (X.H.); (J.A.H.); (J.P.S.)
| | - Adam Kirby
- Department of Infection Biology & Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 3RF, UK; (R.P.-R.); (J.J.C.); (P.S.); (E.G.B.); (A.K.); (D.F.M.); (X.H.); (J.A.H.); (J.P.S.)
| | - Daniele F. Mega
- Department of Infection Biology & Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 3RF, UK; (R.P.-R.); (J.J.C.); (P.S.); (E.G.B.); (A.K.); (D.F.M.); (X.H.); (J.A.H.); (J.P.S.)
| | - Ximeng Han
- Department of Infection Biology & Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 3RF, UK; (R.P.-R.); (J.J.C.); (P.S.); (E.G.B.); (A.K.); (D.F.M.); (X.H.); (J.A.H.); (J.P.S.)
| | - Andrew Owen
- Centre of Excellence in Long-Acting Therapeutics (CELT), Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 3RF, UK;
| | - Julian A. Hiscox
- Department of Infection Biology & Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 3RF, UK; (R.P.-R.); (J.J.C.); (P.S.); (E.G.B.); (A.K.); (D.F.M.); (X.H.); (J.A.H.); (J.P.S.)
| | - James P. Stewart
- Department of Infection Biology & Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 3RF, UK; (R.P.-R.); (J.J.C.); (P.S.); (E.G.B.); (A.K.); (D.F.M.); (X.H.); (J.A.H.); (J.P.S.)
| | - Anja Kipar
- Laboratory for Animal Model Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
- Department of Infection Biology & Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 3RF, UK; (R.P.-R.); (J.J.C.); (P.S.); (E.G.B.); (A.K.); (D.F.M.); (X.H.); (J.A.H.); (J.P.S.)
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Stein JA, Kaes M, Smola S, Schulz-Schaeffer WJ. Neuropathology in COVID-19 autopsies is defined by microglial activation and lesions of the white matter with emphasis in cerebellar and brain stem areas. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1229641. [PMID: 37521293 PMCID: PMC10374362 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1229641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to investigate microglial and macrophage activation in 17 patients who died in the context of a COVID-19 infection in 2020 and 2021. Methods Through immunohistochemical analysis, the lysosomal marker CD68 was used to detect diffuse parenchymal microglial activity, pronounced perivascular macrophage activation and macrophage clusters. COVID-19 patients were compared to control patients and grouped regarding clinical aspects. Detection of viral proteins was attempted in different regions through multiple commercially available antibodies. Results Microglial and macrophage activation was most pronounced in the white matter with emphasis in brain stem and cerebellar areas. Analysis of lesion patterns yielded no correlation between disease severity and neuropathological changes. Occurrence of macrophage clusters could not be associated with a severe course of disease or preconditions but represent a more advanced stage of microglial and macrophage activation. Severe neuropathological changes in COVID-19 were comparable to severe Influenza. Hypoxic damage was not a confounder to the described neuropathology. The macrophage/microglia reaction was less pronounced in post COVID-19 patients, but detectable i.e. in the brain stem. Commercially available antibodies for detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus material in immunohistochemistry yielded no specific signal over controls. Conclusion The presented microglial and macrophage activation might be an explanation for the long COVID syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julian A. Stein
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty of the Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Manuel Kaes
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty of the Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Sigrun Smola
- Institute of Virology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Owens CD, Pinto CB, Detwiler S, Mukli P, Peterfi A, Szarvas Z, Hoffmeister JR, Galindo J, Noori J, Kirkpatrick AC, Dasari TW, James J, Tarantini S, Csiszar A, Ungvari Z, Prodan CI, Yabluchanskiy A. Cerebral small vessel disease pathology in COVID-19 patients: A systematic review. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 88:101962. [PMID: 37224885 PMCID: PMC10202464 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is the leading cause of vascular cognitive impairment and is associated with COVID-19. However, contributing factors that often accompany CSVD pathology in COVID-19 patients may influence the incidence of cerebrovascular complications. Thus, a mechanism linking COVID-19 and CSVD has yet to be uncovered and differentiated from age-related comorbidities (i.e., hypertension), and medical interventions during acute infection. We aimed to evaluate CSVD in acute and recovered COVID-19 patients and to differentiate COVID-19-related cerebrovascular pathology from the above-mentioned contributing factors by assessing the localization of microbleeds and ischemic lesions/infarctions in the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. A systematic search was performed in December 2022 on PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase using a pre-established search criterion related to history of, or active COVID-19 with CSVD pathology in adults. From a pool of 161 studies, 59 met eligibility criteria and were included. Microbleeds and ischemic lesions had a strong predilection for the corpus callosum and subcortical/deep white matter in COVID-19 patients, suggesting a distinct CSVD pathology. These findings have important implications for clinical practice and biomedical research as COVID-19 may independently, and through exacerbation of age-related mechanisms, contribute to increased incidence of CSVD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cameron D Owens
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Camila Bonin Pinto
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Sam Detwiler
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Peter Mukli
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Departments of Public Health, Translational Medicine and Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna Peterfi
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Departments of Public Health, Translational Medicine and Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsofia Szarvas
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Departments of Public Health, Translational Medicine and Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jordan R Hoffmeister
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Juliette Galindo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jila Noori
- Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Angelia C Kirkpatrick
- Cardiovascular Section, Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Tarun W Dasari
- Cardiovascular Section, Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Judith James
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Stefano Tarantini
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Departments of Public Health, Translational Medicine and Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; The Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Anna Csiszar
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Departments of Public Health, Translational Medicine and Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Ungvari
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Departments of Public Health, Translational Medicine and Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Calin I Prodan
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Andriy Yabluchanskiy
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; The Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Scholkmann F, May CA. COVID-19, post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS, "long COVID") and post-COVID-19 vaccination syndrome (PCVS, "post-COVIDvac-syndrome"): Similarities and differences. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 246:154497. [PMID: 37192595 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide there have been over 760 million confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, and over 13 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered as of April 2023, according to the World Health Organization. An infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can lead to an acute disease, i.e. COVID-19, but also to a post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS, "long COVID"). Currently, the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines are increasingly being noted and studied. Here, we summarise the currently available indications and discuss our conclusions that (i) these side effects have specific similarities and differences to acute COVID-19 and PACS, that (ii) a new term should be used to refer to these side effects (post-COVID-19 vaccination syndrome, PCVS, colloquially "post-COVIDvac-syndrome"), and that (iii) there is a need to distinguish between acute COVID-19 vaccination syndrome (ACVS) and post-acute COVID-19 vaccination syndrome (PACVS) - in analogy to acute COVID-19 and PACS ("long COVID"). Moreover, we address mixed forms of disease caused by natural SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination. We explain why it is important for medical diagnosis, care and research to use the new terms (PCVS, ACVS and PACVS) in order to avoid confusion and misinterpretation of the underlying causes of disease and to enable optimal medical therapy. We do not recommend to use the term "Post-Vac-Syndrome" as it is imprecise. The article also serves to address the current problem of "medical gaslighting" in relation to PACS and PCVS by raising awareness among the medical professionals and supplying appropriate terminology for disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felix Scholkmann
- University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Christian-Albrecht May
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Finsterer J. The Spectrum of Neuro-COVID is Broader than Frequently Anticipated. Indian J Crit Care Med 2023; 27:366-367. [PMID: 37214115 PMCID: PMC10196644 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10071-24452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The spectrum of neuro-COVID is broader than anticipated. Neurological disease in COVID-19 may be due to a direct attack of the virus, due to the immune response against the virus, secondary due to affection of the heart or arteries, or due to side effects from the treatment applied against COVID-19. How to cite this article Finsterer J. The Spectrum of Neuro-COVID is Broader than Frequently Anticipated. Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(5):366-367.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josef Finsterer
- Department of Neurology, Messerli Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Bommarito G, Garibotto V, Frisoni GB, Assal F, Lalive PH, Allali G. The Two-Way Route between Delirium Disorder and Dementia: Insights from COVID-19. NEURODEGENER DIS 2023; 22:91-103. [PMID: 37054684 DOI: 10.1159/000530566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delirium disorder is a frequent neurological complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated with increased disease severity and mortality. Cognitive impairment is a major risk factor for developing delirium disorder during COVID-19, which, in turn, increases the risk of subsequent neurological complications and cognitive decline. SUMMARY The bidirectional connection between delirium disorder and dementia likely resides at multiple levels, and its pathophysiological mechanisms during COVID-19 include endothelial damage, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, and local inflammation, with activation of microglia and astrocytes. Here, we describe the putative pathogenic pathways underlying delirium disorder during COVID-19 and highlight how they cross with the ones leading to neurodegenerative dementia. KEY MESSAGES The analysis of the two-sided link can offer useful insights for confronting with long-term neurological consequences of COVID-19 and framing future prevention and early treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bommarito
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospitals and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Valentina Garibotto
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Geneva University Hospitals and NIMTlab, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni B Frisoni
- Memory Center and LANVIE-Laboratory of Neuroimaging of Aging, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Frédéric Assal
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Patrice H Lalive
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Diagnostic Department, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gilles Allali
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Cognitive and Motor Aging, Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York, USA
- Leenaards Memory Center, Lausanne University Hospitals and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Gelpi E, Klotz S, Beyerle M, Wischnewski S, Harter V, Kirschner H, Stolz K, Reisinger C, Lindeck-Pozza E, Zoufaly A, Leoni M, Gorkiewicz G, Zacharias M, Haberler C, Hainfellner J, Woehrer A, Hametner S, Roetzer T, Voigtländer T, Ricken G, Endmayr V, Haider C, Ludwig J, Polt A, Wilk G, Schmid S, Erben I, Nguyen A, Lang S, Simonitsch-Klupp I, Kornauth C, Nackenhorst M, Kläger J, Kain R, Chott A, Wasicky R, Krause R, Weiss G, Löffler-Rag J, Berger T, Moser P, Soleiman A, Asslaber M, Sedivy R, Klupp N, Klimpfinger M, Risser D, Budka H, Schirmer L, Pröbstel AK, Höftberger R. Multifactorial White Matter Damage in the Acute Phase and Pre-Existing Conditions May Drive Cognitive Dysfunction after SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Neuropathology-Based Evidence. Viruses 2023; 15:908. [PMID: 37112888 PMCID: PMC10144140 DOI: 10.3390/v15040908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an urgent need to better understand the mechanisms underlying acute and long-term neurological symptoms after COVID-19. Neuropathological studies can contribute to a better understanding of some of these mechanisms. METHODS We conducted a detailed postmortem neuropathological analysis of 32 patients who died due to COVID-19 during 2020 and 2021 in Austria. RESULTS All cases showed diffuse white matter damage with a diffuse microglial activation of a variable severity, including one case of hemorrhagic leukoencephalopathy. Some cases revealed mild inflammatory changes, including olfactory neuritis (25%), nodular brainstem encephalitis (31%), and cranial nerve neuritis (6%), which were similar to those observed in non-COVID-19 severely ill patients. One previously immunosuppressed patient developed acute herpes simplex encephalitis. Acute vascular pathologies (acute infarcts 22%, vascular thrombosis 12%, diffuse hypoxic-ischemic brain damage 40%) and pre-existing small vessel diseases (34%) were frequent findings. Moreover, silent neurodegenerative pathologies in elderly persons were common (AD neuropathologic changes 32%, age-related neuronal and glial tau pathologies 22%, Lewy bodies 9%, argyrophilic grain disease 12.5%, TDP43 pathology 6%). CONCLUSIONS Our results support some previous neuropathological findings of apparently multifactorial and most likely indirect brain damage in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection rather than virus-specific damage, and they are in line with the recent experimental data on SARS-CoV-2-related diffuse white matter damage, microglial activation, and cytokine release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Gelpi
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sigrid Klotz
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Miriam Beyerle
- Departments of Neurology, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (M.B.); (A.-K.P.)
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Sven Wischnewski
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany;
- Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience and Institute for Innate Immunoscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Verena Harter
- Department of Pathology, Klinik Favoriten, 1100 Vienna, Austria (H.K.); (R.S.); (M.K.)
| | - Harald Kirschner
- Department of Pathology, Klinik Favoriten, 1100 Vienna, Austria (H.K.); (R.S.); (M.K.)
| | - Katharina Stolz
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (K.S.); (C.R.); (N.K.); (D.R.)
| | - Christoph Reisinger
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (K.S.); (C.R.); (N.K.); (D.R.)
| | | | - Alexander Zoufaly
- Intensive Care Unit, Klinik Favoriten, 1100 Vienna, Austria;
- Faculty of Medicine, Sigmund Freud University, 1020 Vienna, Austria
| | - Marlene Leoni
- D&F Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (M.L.); (G.G.); (M.Z.); (M.A.)
| | - Gregor Gorkiewicz
- D&F Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (M.L.); (G.G.); (M.Z.); (M.A.)
| | - Martin Zacharias
- D&F Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (M.L.); (G.G.); (M.Z.); (M.A.)
| | - Christine Haberler
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Hainfellner
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Adelheid Woehrer
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Simon Hametner
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Roetzer
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Till Voigtländer
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerda Ricken
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Verena Endmayr
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Carmen Haider
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Judith Ludwig
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Polt
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gloria Wilk
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Schmid
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Irene Erben
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Anita Nguyen
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanna Lang
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.L.); (I.S.-K.); (C.K.); (M.N.); (R.K.)
| | - Ingrid Simonitsch-Klupp
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.L.); (I.S.-K.); (C.K.); (M.N.); (R.K.)
| | - Christoph Kornauth
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.L.); (I.S.-K.); (C.K.); (M.N.); (R.K.)
- Münchner Leukämielabor, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Maja Nackenhorst
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.L.); (I.S.-K.); (C.K.); (M.N.); (R.K.)
| | - Johannes Kläger
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.L.); (I.S.-K.); (C.K.); (M.N.); (R.K.)
| | - Renate Kain
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.L.); (I.S.-K.); (C.K.); (M.N.); (R.K.)
| | - Andreas Chott
- Institute of Pathology, Klinik Ottakring, 1160 Vienna, Austria; (A.C.); (R.W.)
| | - Richard Wasicky
- Institute of Pathology, Klinik Ottakring, 1160 Vienna, Austria; (A.C.); (R.W.)
| | - Robert Krause
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria;
| | - Günter Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pulmonology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (G.W.); (J.L.-R.)
| | - Judith Löffler-Rag
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pulmonology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (G.W.); (J.L.-R.)
| | - Thomas Berger
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Patrizia Moser
- Department of Neuropathology, Tirol Kliniken GmbH, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (P.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Afshin Soleiman
- Department of Neuropathology, Tirol Kliniken GmbH, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (P.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Martin Asslaber
- D&F Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (M.L.); (G.G.); (M.Z.); (M.A.)
| | - Roland Sedivy
- Department of Pathology, Klinik Favoriten, 1100 Vienna, Austria (H.K.); (R.S.); (M.K.)
| | - Nikolaus Klupp
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (K.S.); (C.R.); (N.K.); (D.R.)
| | - Martin Klimpfinger
- Department of Pathology, Klinik Favoriten, 1100 Vienna, Austria (H.K.); (R.S.); (M.K.)
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.L.); (I.S.-K.); (C.K.); (M.N.); (R.K.)
| | - Daniele Risser
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (K.S.); (C.R.); (N.K.); (D.R.)
| | - Herbert Budka
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Lucas Schirmer
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland;
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany;
- Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anne-Katrin Pröbstel
- Departments of Neurology, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (M.B.); (A.-K.P.)
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Romana Höftberger
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wesselingh R, Wesselingh SL. An eye to the future: Acute and long-term neuro-ophthalmological and neurological complications of COVID-19. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2023. [PMID: 36908238 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the global population and has produced compelling evidence of non-pulmonary organ dysfunction, including the nervous system. It is vital that specialists in ophthalmology and neurology are informed of the potential complications of COVID-19 and gain a deeper understanding of how COVID-19 can cause diseases of the nervous system. In this review we detail four possible mechanisms by which COVID-19 infection may result in neurological or neuro-ophthalmological complications: (1) Toxic and metabolic effects of severe pulmonary COVID-19 disease on the neural axis including hypoxia and the systemic hyper-inflammatory state, (2) endothelial dysfunction, (3) dysimmune responses directed again the neuroaxis, and (4) direct neuro-invasion and injury by the virus itself. We explore the pathological evidence for each of these and how they may link to neuro-ophthalmological disorders. Finally, we explore the evidence for long-term neurological and neuro-ophthalmological complications of COVID-19, with a focus on neurodegeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robb Wesselingh
- Department of Neurosciences, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Level 6, Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, 55 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Steve L Wesselingh
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Neuropathology of 30 deceased patients with COVID-19: a case series in Tehran, Iran. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2023; 85:271-275. [PMID: 36845816 PMCID: PMC9949774 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000000203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can affect the nervous system and result in neurological symptoms. The most common feature of central nervous system involvement is hypoxia and congestion. This study aimed to evaluate the histopathology of cerebral tissue in deceased patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods In a case series study, we took cerebral samples of 30 deceased patients with COVID-19 through supraorbital bone from January to May 2021. The samples were fixed in a formalin solution, stained with haematoxylin-eosin dyes and studied by two expert pathologists. The Ethics Committee of AJA University of Medical Sciences approved this study with code IR.AJAUMS.REC.1399.030. Results The mean age of the patients was 73.8 years, and the most common underlying disease was hypertension. Cerebral tissue samples showed hypoxic-ischaemic changes in 28 (93.3%), microhaemorrhage in six (20%), lymphocytic infiltration in five (16.7%) and thrombosis in three samples (10%). Conclusion Hypoxic-ischaemic change was the most common neuropathology in our patient. Our study showed that many patients with severe COVID-19 may develop central nervous system involvement.
Collapse
|
24
|
Tonyali A, Karacetin G, Yesilkaya C, Arik FNT, Kayan Ocakoglu B. Appearance of extrapyramidal symptoms in adolescent psychiatry patients during COVID-19 infection. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28556. [PMID: 36738231 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Since the start of the pandemic, there has been an increase in the incidence of psychiatric morbidity among those infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and those indirectly affected by COVID-19. There has been a considerable increase in the number of individuals with such psychiatric conditions as depression, acute stress disorders, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). About one-third of patients with COVID-19 are reported to have developed short and long-term neuropsychiatric conditions such as delirium, agitation, altered consciousness, hypoxic encephalopathy encephalitis, dysexecutive syndrome, cerebrovascular complications (e.g., stroke), hypoxic encephalopathy, convulsions, neuromuscular dysfunction, demyelinating processes, or parkinsonism through several pathophysiological mechanisms. Nevertheless, as the pandemic progressed, data on neuropsychiatric manifestations implied that the pathologic capacity of COVID-19 and its association with the onset and/or exacerbation of psychiatric morbidity indicate that COVID-19 is potentially related to neuropsychiatric involvement. Patients with existing mental disorders under psychotropic treatment exposed to the COVID-19 infection have been represented by an increased risk of worsened psychiatric symptoms and expanded drug side effects. The present study aimed to describe five pediatric patients with various psychiatric illness that experienced COVID-19 infection and had potentially associated neuropsychiatric involvement, such as exacerbation of underlying psychiatric symptoms and extrapyramidal side effects. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to describe adolescents with COVID-19 infection that presented with a series of manifestations in the form of an increase in extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) during exacerbation of underlying psychiatric disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aysegul Tonyali
- Istanbul Bakırköy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ong IZ, Kolson DL, Schindler MK. Mechanisms, Effects, and Management of Neurological Complications of Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (NC-PASC). Biomedicines 2023; 11:377. [PMID: 36830913 PMCID: PMC9953707 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
With a growing number of patients entering the recovery phase following infection with SARS-CoV-2, understanding the long-term neurological consequences of the disease is important to their care. The neurological complications of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (NC-PASC) represent a myriad of symptoms including headaches, brain fog, numbness/tingling, and other neurological symptoms that many people report long after their acute infection has resolved. Emerging reports are being published concerning COVID-19 and its chronic effects, yet limited knowledge of disease mechanisms has challenged therapeutic efforts. To address these issues, we review broadly the literature spanning 2020-2022 concerning the proposed mechanisms underlying NC-PASC, outline the long-term neurological sequelae associated with COVID-19, and discuss potential clinical interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian Z. Ong
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dennis L. Kolson
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Matthew K. Schindler
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
COVID-19-associated monocytic encephalitis (CAME): histological and proteomic evidence from autopsy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:24. [PMID: 36609561 PMCID: PMC9816522 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01291-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe neurological symptoms are associated with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the morphologic features, pathological nature and their potential mechanisms in patient brains have not been revealed despite evidence of neurotropic infection. In this study, neuropathological damages and infiltrating inflammatory cells were quantitatively evaluated by immunohistochemical staining, ultrastructural examination under electron microscopy, and an image threshold method, in postmortem brains from nine critically ill COVID-19 patients and nine age-matched cadavers of healthy individuals. Differentially expressed proteins were identified by quantitative proteomic assays. Histopathological findings included neurophagocytosis, microglia nodules, satellite phenomena, extensive edema, focal hemorrhage, and infarction, as well as infiltrating mononuclear cells. Immunostaining of COVID-19 brains revealed extensive activation of both microglia and astrocytes, severe damage of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and various degrees of perivascular infiltration by predominantly CD14+/CD16+/CD141+/CCR7+/CD11c+ monocytes and occasionally CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocytes. Quantitative proteomic assays combined with bioinformatics analysis identified upregulated proteins predominantly involved in immune responses, autophagy and cellular metabolism in COVID-19 patient brains compared with control brains. Proteins involved in brain development, neuroprotection, and extracellular matrix proteins of the basement membrane were downregulated, potentially caused by the activation of transforming growth factor β receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathways. Thus, our results define histopathological and molecular profiles of COVID-19-associated monocytic encephalitis (CAME) and suggest potential therapeutic targets.
Collapse
|
27
|
Stefanou Ε, Karvelas N, Bennett S, Kole C. Cerebrovascular Manifestations of SARS-CoV-2: A Comprehensive Review. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2023; 25:71-92. [PMID: 36950279 PMCID: PMC9984763 DOI: 10.1007/s11940-023-00747-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of review The risks of cerebrovascular manifestations due to SARS-CoV-2 infection are significantly increased within the first 6 months of the infection. Our work aims to give an update on current clinical aspects of diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular manifestations during acute and long-term SARS-CoV-2 infection. Recent findings The incidence of acute ischemic stroke and haemorrhagic stroke during acute SARS-CoV-2 patients is estimated at 0.9 to 4.6% and 0.5-0.9%, respectively, and were associated with increased mortality. The majority presented with hemiparesis, dysarthria, sensory deficits, and a NIHSS score within 5-15. In addition, beyond the first 30 days of infection people with COVID-19 exhibited increased risk of stroke. During acute phase, age, hypertension, diabetes, and medical history of vascular disease were increased in patients with COVID-19 with new onset of cerebrovascular manifestations, while during long-COVID-19, the risk of cerebrovascular manifestations were found increased regardless of these factors. The management of patients with large-vessel ischemic stroke fulfilling the intravenous thrombolysis criteria are successfully treated according to the guidelines, while hyperosmolar therapy is typically administered in 4- to 6-h intervals. In addition, prophylaxis of anticoagulation therapy is associated with a better prognosis and low mortality during acute and post hospital discharge of patients with COVID-19. Summary In this work, we provide a comprehensive review of the current literature on acute and post-acute COVID-19 cerebrovascular sequelae, symptomatology, and its pathophysiology mechanisms. Moreover, we discuss therapeutic strategies for these patients during acute and long-term care and point populations at risk. Our findings suggest that older patients with risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and medical history of vascular disease are more likely to develop cerebrovascular complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Εleni Stefanou
- Artificial Kidney Unit, General Hospital of Messinia, Kalamata, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Karvelas
- grid.5216.00000 0001 2155 0800Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Samuel Bennett
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Christo Kole
- grid.5216.00000 0001 2155 0800Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- grid.416018.a0000 0004 0623 0819Cardiology Department, Sismanoglio General Hospital of Attica, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Fluoxetine plus lithium for treatment of mental health impairment in Long Covid. DISCOVER MENTAL HEALTH 2023; 3:1. [PMID: 36618714 PMCID: PMC9810252 DOI: 10.1007/s44192-022-00027-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Purposes (1) To summarize the mental conditions that may accompany persistent symptoms following acute infection by SARS-CoV-2, often termed Long Covid; (2) to formulate treatment based upon the brain cells that are dominantly affected. Methods (1) Review the reports relating to the mental symptoms occurring in Long Covid. (2) Review the drugs that address the brain cells affected in Long Covid, and suggest pharmacotherapy for those patients whose response to psychotherapy is suboptimal. Results Long Covid affects ~ 10% of patients infected by SARS-CoV-2, and mental symptoms affect ~ 20% of persons with Long Covid. The brain cell-types that have been demonstrated as dominantly affected in Long Covid are astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, neurons, endothelial cells/pericytes, and microglia. Lithium and fluoxetine each address all of those four cell-types. Low dosage of each is likely to be well-tolerated and to cause neither clinically important adverse events (AE) nor serious adverse events (SAE). Conclusion For those patients whose response to psychotherapy is suboptimal, lithium and fluoxetine should be administered in combination for both depth of benefit and reduction of dosages.
Collapse
|
29
|
Yepes M. Neurological Complications of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 Vaccines: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Manifestations. Curr Drug Targets 2022; 23:1620-1638. [PMID: 36121081 DOI: 10.2174/1389450123666220919123029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), that reached pandemic proportions in 2020. Despite the fact that it was initially characterized by pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome, it is now clear that the nervous system is also compromised in one third of these patients. Indeed, a significant proportion of COVID-19 patients suffer nervous system damage via a plethora of mechanisms including hypoxia, coagulopathy, immune response to the virus, and the direct effect of SARS-CoV-2 on endothelial cells, neurons, astrocytes, pericytes and microglia. Additionally, a low number of previously healthy individuals develop a variety of neurological complications after receiving COVID-19 vaccines and a large proportion of COVID-19 survivors experience longlasting neuropsychiatric symptoms. In conclusion, COVID-19 is also a neurological disease, and the direct and indirect effects of the virus on the nervous system have a significant impact on the morbidity and mortality of these patients. Here we will use the concept of the neurovascular unit, assembled by endothelial cells, basement membrane, perivascular astrocytes, neurons and microglia, to review the effects of SARS-CoV-2 in the nervous system. We will then use this information to review data published to this date on the neurological manifestations of COVID-19, the post- COVID syndrome and COVID-19 vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Yepes
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Neurology & Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Banazadeh M, Olangian-Tehrani S, Sharifi M, Malek-Ahmadi M, Nikzad F, Doozandeh-Nargesi N, Mohammadi A, Stephens GJ, Shabani M. Mechanisms of COVID-19-induced cerebellitis. Curr Med Res Opin 2022; 38:2109-2118. [PMID: 36305796 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2022.2141963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV2 has raised several important health concerns, not least increased mortality and morbidity. SARS-CoV2 can infect the central nervous system via hematogenous or transneuronal routes, acting through different receptors including ACE2, DPP4, and neuropilin 1 and cause several issues, including the focus here, cerebellitis. The cerebellum is an essential part of the CNS located adjacent to the brainstem with a complex micro and macroscopic structure. The cerebellum plays several physiological roles, such as coordination, cognition, and executive functioning. Damage to the cerebellum can lead to incoordination and ataxia. In our narrative review, we searched different databases from 2021 to 2022 with the keywords cerebellum and COVID-19; 247 studies were identified and reviewed, focusing on clinical studies and excluding non-clinical studies; 56 studies were finally included for analysis. SARS-CoV2 infection of the cerebellum can be seen to be assessed through many methods such as MRI, PET, CT, postmortem studies, and histological findings. These methodological studies have demonstrated that cerebellar infection with COVID-19 can bring about several sequelae: thrombosis, microbleed, hemorrhage, stroke, autoantibody production, ataxia, and widespread inflammation in the cerebellum. Such central effects are likely to exacerbate the known multiorgan effects of SARS-CoV2 and should also be considered as part of disease prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Banazadeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cosmetic Products Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sepehr Olangian-Tehrani
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Avicennet, Tehran, Iran
| | - Melika Sharifi
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Farhad Nikzad
- Avicennet, Tehran, Iran
- Student Research Committee, International Campus, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | | | - Alireza Mohammadi
- School of Pharmacy, Guilan University of Medical Science, Rasht, Iran
| | - Gary J Stephens
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, UK
| | - Mohammad Shabani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Isolated Central Nervous System Vasculitides in COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Series. REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/reports5030036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral vasculitides, both isolated or in systemic disorders, could be triggered by infections, and few cases have been associated to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study searched for publications in Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases for case reports and series of isolated central nervous system (CNS) vasculitides triggered by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. We included 12 studies (published from June 2020 to July 2022) and collected 39 adult patients (5/39 pathologically or radiologically proven, 34/39 suggestive for primary CNS vasculitis or PCNSV). All cases had a positive real-time polymerase chain reaction on a nasopharyngeal swab or a respiratory tract specimen. About the 85% of the included cases were males, and disease onset occurred later than 50 years old in all but three subjects. In total, 33/39 patients presented severe COVID-19 pneumonia, frequently requiring intensive care unit care. The most common neurological features were headache, obnubilation, and coma. PCNSV was suspected mainly on radiological findings, whereas the cerebrospinal fluid analysis was minimally altered. Magnetic resonance imaging showed vessel wall enhancement in 32/39 cases, generally with the concomitant presence of microbleeds, subarachnoid haemorrhages, and/or multiple ischemic lesions. Despite the severe respiratory and neurological disease course, most cases (93%) improved spontaneously or after a course of high-dose intravenous steroids with no need for immunosuppression. In conclusion, PCNSV could rarely relate to COVID-19 and independently from pulmonary disease severity. Adults with COVID-19-related PCNSV could have a favourable prognosis.
Collapse
|
32
|
Mitra J, Kodavati M, Provasek VE, Rao KS, Mitra S, Hamilton DJ, Horner PJ, Vahidy FS, Britz GW, Kent TA, Hegde ML. SARS-CoV-2 and the central nervous system: Emerging insights into hemorrhage-associated neurological consequences and therapeutic considerations. Ageing Res Rev 2022; 80:101687. [PMID: 35843590 PMCID: PMC9288264 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to impact our lives by causing widespread illness and death and poses a threat due to the possibility of emerging strains. SARS-CoV-2 targets angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) before entering vital organs of the body, including the brain. Studies have shown systemic inflammation, cellular senescence, and viral toxicity-mediated multi-organ failure occur during infectious periods. However, prognostic investigations suggest that both acute and long-term neurological complications, including predisposition to irreversible neurodegenerative diseases, can be a serious concern for COVID-19 survivors, especially the elderly population. As emerging studies reveal sites of SARS-CoV-2 infection in different parts of the brain, potential causes of chronic lesions including cerebral and deep-brain microbleeds and the likelihood of developing stroke-like pathologies increases, with critical long-term consequences, particularly for individuals with neuropathological and/or age-associated comorbid conditions. Our recent studies linking the blood degradation products to genome instability, leading to cellular senescence and ferroptosis, raise the possibility of similar neurovascular events as a result of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this review, we discuss the neuropathological consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection in COVID survivors, focusing on possible hemorrhagic damage in brain cells, its association to aging, and the future directions in developing mechanism-guided therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joy Mitra
- Division of DNA Repair Research, Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Manohar Kodavati
- Division of DNA Repair Research, Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Vincent E Provasek
- Division of DNA Repair Research, Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - K S Rao
- Department of Biotechnology, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation Deemed to be University, Green Fields, Vaddeswaram, Andhra Pradesh 522502, India
| | - Sankar Mitra
- Division of DNA Repair Research, Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Dale J Hamilton
- Center for Bioenergetics, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA
| | - Philip J Horner
- Division of DNA Repair Research, Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA
| | - Farhaan S Vahidy
- Center for Outcomes Research, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Gavin W Britz
- Division of DNA Repair Research, Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA
| | - Thomas A Kent
- Center for Genomics and Precision Medicine, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Muralidhar L Hegde
- Division of DNA Repair Research, Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Cerebrovascular Complications of COVID-19 Disease in Children: A Single-Center Case Series. Pediatr Neurol 2022; 134:18-24. [PMID: 35780679 PMCID: PMC9212852 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2022.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
This work presents a case series of four children diagnosed with severe cerebrovascular disease in association with recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, yet no patient from the group met typical diagnostic criteria for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Our aim was to highlight the possible vascular involvement and coagulopathies associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the pediatric population. Further data are needed to better understand the pathophysiological basis of this condition in children and to ensure its optimal management.
Collapse
|
34
|
The potential role of ischaemia-reperfusion injury in chronic, relapsing diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Long COVID, and ME/CFS: evidence, mechanisms, and therapeutic implications. Biochem J 2022; 479:1653-1708. [PMID: 36043493 PMCID: PMC9484810 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ischaemia–reperfusion (I–R) injury, initiated via bursts of reactive oxygen species produced during the reoxygenation phase following hypoxia, is well known in a variety of acute circumstances. We argue here that I–R injury also underpins elements of the pathology of a variety of chronic, inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, ME/CFS and, our chief focus and most proximally, Long COVID. Ischaemia may be initiated via fibrin amyloid microclot blockage of capillaries, for instance as exercise is started; reperfusion is a necessary corollary when it finishes. We rehearse the mechanistic evidence for these occurrences here, in terms of their manifestation as oxidative stress, hyperinflammation, mast cell activation, the production of marker metabolites and related activities. Such microclot-based phenomena can explain both the breathlessness/fatigue and the post-exertional malaise that may be observed in these conditions, as well as many other observables. The recognition of these processes implies, mechanistically, that therapeutic benefit is potentially to be had from antioxidants, from anti-inflammatories, from iron chelators, and via suitable, safe fibrinolytics, and/or anti-clotting agents. We review the considerable existing evidence that is consistent with this, and with the biochemical mechanisms involved.
Collapse
|
35
|
COVID-19-associated severe mono-hemispheric encephalitis in a young infant. Neurol Sci 2022; 43:4645-4648. [PMID: 35471743 PMCID: PMC9038513 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-022-06076-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
36
|
COVID-19 and Parkinsonism: A Critical Appraisal. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12070970. [PMID: 35883526 PMCID: PMC9313170 DOI: 10.3390/biom12070970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A few cases of parkinsonism linked to COVID-19 infection have been reported so far, raising the possibility of a post-viral parkinsonian syndrome. The objective of this review is to summarize the clinical, biological, and neuroimaging features of published cases describing COVID-19-related parkinsonism and to discuss the possible pathophysiological mechanisms. A comprehensive literature search was performed using NCBI’s PubMed database and standardized search terms. Thirteen cases of COVID-19-related parkinsonism were included (7 males; mean age: 51 years ± 14.51, range 31–73). Patients were classified based on the possible mechanisms of post-COVID-19 parkinsonism: extensive inflammation or hypoxic brain injury within the context of encephalopathy (n = 5); unmasking of underlying still non-symptomatic Parkinson’s Disease (PD) (n = 5), and structural and functional basal ganglia damage (n = 3). The various clinical scenarios show different outcomes and responses to dopaminergic treatment. Different mechanisms may play a role, including vascular damage, neuroinflammation, SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasive potential, and the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on α-synuclein. Our results confirm that the appearance of parkinsonism during or immediately after COVID-19 infection represents a very rare event. Future long-term observational studies are needed to evaluate the possible role of SARS-CoV-2 infection as a trigger for the development of PD in the long term.
Collapse
|
37
|
Keep RF, Jones HC, Drewes LR. Advances in brain barriers and brain fluids research in 2021: great progress in a time of adversity. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:48. [PMID: 35681151 PMCID: PMC9178944 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00343-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This editorial highlights advances in brain barrier and brain fluid research in 2021. It covers research on components of the blood–brain barrier, neurovascular unit and brain fluid systems; how brain barriers and brain fluid systems are impacted by neurological disorders and their role in disease progression; and advances in strategies for treating such disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard F Keep
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, R5018 BSRB, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA.
| | | | - Lester R Drewes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School Duluth, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Valizadeh N, Rudmann E, Solomon IH, Mukerji SS. Mechanisms of Entry Into the Central Nervous System by Neuroinvasive Pathogens. J Neuroophthalmol 2022; 42:163-172. [PMID: 35195546 PMCID: PMC9124664 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000001455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The literature on neurological manifestations, cerebrospinal fluid analyses, and autopsies in patients with COVID-19 continues to grow. The proposed mechanisms for neurological disease in patients with COVID-19 include indirect processes such as inflammation, microvascular injury, and hypoxic-ischemic damage. An alternate hypothesis suggests direct viral entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the brain and cerebrospinal fluid, given varying reports regarding isolation of viral components from these anatomical sites. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION PubMed, Google Scholar databases, and neuroanatomical textbooks were manually searched and reviewed. RESULTS We provide clinical concepts regarding the mechanisms of viral pathogen invasion in the central nervous system (CNS); advances in our mechanistic understanding of CNS invasion in well-known neurotropic pathogens can aid in understanding how viruses evolve strategies to enter brain parenchyma. We also present the structural components of CNS compartments that influence viral entry, focusing on hematogenous and transneuronal spread, and discuss this evidence as it relates to our understanding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). CONCLUSIONS Although there is a paucity of data supporting direct viral entry of SARS-CoV-2 in humans, increasing our knowledge of the structural components of CNS compartments that block viral entry and pathways exploited by pathogens is fundamental to preparing clinicians and researchers for what to expect when a novel emerging virus with neurological symptoms establishes infection in the CNS, and how to design therapeutics to mitigate such an infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Navid Valizadeh
- Division of Neuroimmunology and Neuro-infectious Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- John C Lincoln Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Emily Rudmann
- Division of Neuroimmunology and Neuro-infectious Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Isaac H. Solomon
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Shibani S. Mukerji
- Division of Neuroimmunology and Neuro-infectious Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Nervous system manifestations related to COVID-19 and their possible mechanisms. Brain Res Bull 2022; 187:63-74. [PMID: 35772604 PMCID: PMC9236920 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In December 2019, the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection broke. With the gradual deepening understanding of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, researchers and clinicians noticed that this disease is closely related to the nervous system and has complex effects on the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). In this review, we summarize the effects and mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 on the nervous system, including the pathways of invasion, direct and indirect effects, and associated neuropsychiatric diseases, to deepen our knowledge and understanding of the relationship between COVID-19 and the nervous system.
Collapse
|
40
|
Meaney JFM, O'Donnell JS, Bridgewood C, Harbison J, McGonagle D. Perspective: The Case for Acute Large Vessel Ischemic Stroke in COVID-19 Originating Within Thrombosed Pulmonary Venules. Stroke 2022; 53:2411-2419. [PMID: 35543127 PMCID: PMC9232249 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.121.038056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The main burden of SARS-CoV-2 falls on the lungs but neurological manifestations, the most disabling of which are strokes and which correlate with disease severity, are common. We proffer a novel mechanism for acute COVID-19 stroke whereby pulmonary vein clots developing within the characteristic pulmonary intravascular thrombotic lesions can embolize to the brain. Appreciation of this mechanism requires an understanding of the tricompartmental model of lung parenchyma oxygenation (the alveolus, the bronchial artery, and the pulmonary artery), all of which are compromised in COVID-19. Of these 3 sources, the bronchial artery plays a crucial role in COVID-19 stroke because the unique collaterals from bronchial artery to pulmonary vein which exist under normal physiological conditions (and which maintain venous patency when the pulmonary artery is blocked by embolus) are occluded, thus leading to venular thrombosis in the presence of hypercoagulability. Dislodgement of clots from this source translocates the pathology to the brain and is a disease mechanism, formerly rare, which may account for many cases of large vessel occlusion stroke in COVID-19. This mechanism extends the concept of cardioembolic stroke from endocardium retrogradely into the pulmonary circulation with which the left cardiac chambers lie in direct continuity, and which is an accepted stroke mechanism under other circumstances such as lung lobectomy, where surgical ligation of the pulmonary vein creates a blind sac from which thrombi can embolize. The proposed model is supported by postmortem studies which have demonstrated venular thrombosis and by case reports of pulmonary vein thrombosis in COVID-19. This concept provides a more plausible cause for COVID-19 associated large vessel occlusion stroke than other putative mechanisms, such as cerebral endotheliitis, cytokine storm, and hypercoagulopathy, although it is acknowledged that the latter mechanism contributes to the genesis of pulmonary vein clots. Recognizing that extrapulmonary manifestations including stroke arise within thrombosed pulmonary veins is key to understanding of neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James F M Meaney
- The Thomas Mitchell Centre for Advanced Medical Imaging, St James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. (J.F.M.M.)
| | - James S O'Donnell
- Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland (J.S.O.)
| | - Charles Bridgewood
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine (LIRMM), University of Leeds, United Kingdom (C.B.)
| | - Joseph Harbison
- Department of Stroke Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. (J.H.)
| | - Dennis McGonagle
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Leeds Teaching Hospitals, United Kingdom (D.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Käufer C, Schreiber CS, Hartke AS, Denden I, Stanelle-Bertram S, Beck S, Kouassi NM, Beythien G, Becker K, Schreiner T, Schaumburg B, Beineke A, Baumgärtner W, Gabriel G, Richter F. Microgliosis and neuronal proteinopathy in brain persist beyond viral clearance in SARS-CoV-2 hamster model. EBioMedicine 2022; 79:103999. [PMID: 35439679 PMCID: PMC9013202 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.103999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurological symptoms such as cognitive decline and depression contribute substantially to post-COVID-19 syndrome, defined as lasting symptoms several weeks after initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. The pathogenesis is still elusive, which hampers appropriate treatment. Neuroinflammatory responses and neurodegenerative processes may occur in absence of overt neuroinvasion. METHODS Here we determined whether intranasal SARS-CoV-2 infection in male and female syrian golden hamsters results in persistent brain pathology. Brains 3 (symptomatic) or 14 days (viral clearance) post infection versus mock (n = 10 each) were immunohistochemically analyzed for viral protein, neuroinflammatory response and accumulation of tau, hyperphosphorylated tau and alpha-synuclein protein. FINDINGS Viral protein in the nasal cavity led to pronounced microglia activation in the olfactory bulb beyond viral clearance. Cortical but not hippocampal neurons accumulated hyperphosphorylated tau and alpha-synuclein, in the absence of overt inflammation and neurodegeneration. Importantly, not all brain regions were affected, which is in line with selective vulnerability. INTERPRETATION Thus, despite the absence of virus in brain, neurons develop signatures of proteinopathies that may contribute to progressive neuronal dysfunction. Further in depth analysis of this important mechanism is required. FUNDING Federal Ministry of Health (BMG; ZMV I 1-2520COR501), Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF 01KI1723G), Ministry of Science and Culture of Lower Saxony in Germany (14 - 76103-184 CORONA-15/20), German Research Foundation (DFG; 398066876/GRK 2485/1), Luxemburgish National Research Fund (FNR, Project Reference: 15686728, EU SC1-PHE-CORONAVIRUS-2020 MANCO, no > 101003651).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Käufer
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Cara S Schreiber
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna-Sophia Hartke
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ivo Denden
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Sebastian Beck
- Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Georg Beythien
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Kathrin Becker
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Tom Schreiner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Beineke
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gülsah Gabriel
- Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany; Institute for Virology, University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Franziska Richter
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Frontera JA, Boutajangout A, Masurkar AV, Betensky RA, Ge Y, Vedvyas A, Debure L, Moreira A, Lewis A, Huang J, Thawani S, Balcer L, Galetta S, Wisniewski T. Comparison of serum neurodegenerative biomarkers among hospitalized COVID-19 patients versus non-COVID subjects with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment, or Alzheimer's dementia. Alzheimers Dement 2022; 18:899-910. [PMID: 35023610 PMCID: PMC9011610 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neurological complications among hospitalized COVID-19 patients may be associated with elevated neurodegenerative biomarkers. METHODS Among hospitalized COVID-19 patients without a history of dementia (N = 251), we compared serum total tau (t-tau), phosphorylated tau-181 (p-tau181), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neurofilament light chain (NfL), ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1), and amyloid beta (Aβ40,42) between patients with or without encephalopathy, in-hospital death versus survival, and discharge home versus other dispositions. COVID-19 patient biomarker levels were also compared to non-COVID cognitively normal, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia controls (N = 161). RESULTS Admission t-tau, p-tau181, GFAP, and NfL were significantly elevated in patients with encephalopathy and in those who died in-hospital, while t-tau, GFAP, and NfL were significantly lower in those discharged home. These markers correlated with severity of COVID illness. NfL, GFAP, and UCHL1 were higher in COVID patients than in non-COVID controls with MCI or AD. DISCUSSION Neurodegenerative biomarkers were elevated to levels observed in AD dementia and associated with encephalopathy and worse outcomes among hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yulin Ge
- New York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Alok Vedvyas
- New York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Ludovic Debure
- New York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Andre Moreira
- New York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Ariane Lewis
- New York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Joshua Huang
- New York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Sujata Thawani
- New York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Laura Balcer
- New York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Steven Galetta
- New York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
MacDougall M, El-Hajj Sleiman J, Beauchemin P, Rangachari M. SARS-CoV-2 and Multiple Sclerosis: Potential for Disease Exacerbation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:871276. [PMID: 35572514 PMCID: PMC9102605 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.871276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
While the respiratory tract is the primary route of entry for SARS-CoV-2, evidence shows that the virus also impacts the central nervous system. Intriguingly, case reports have documented SARS-CoV-2 patients presenting with demyelinating lesions in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve, suggesting possible implications in neuroimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and other related neuroimmune disorders. However, the cellular mechanisms underpinning these observations remain poorly defined. The goal of this paper was to review the literature to date regarding possible links between SARS-CoV-2 infection and neuroimmune demyelinating diseases such as MS and its related disorders, with the aim of positing a hypothesis for disease exacerbation. The literature suggests that SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and orthologous murine coronaviruses invade the CNS via the olfactory bulb, spreading to connected structures via retrograde transport. We hypothesize that a glial inflammatory response may contribute to damaged oligodendrocytes and blood brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, allowing a second route for CNS invasion and lymphocyte infiltration. Potential for molecular mimicry and the stimulation of autoreactive T cells against myelin is also described. It is imperative that further studies on SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion address the adverse effects of the virus on myelin and exacerbation of MS symptoms, as nearly 3 million people suffer from MS worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madison MacDougall
- Department of Biological Sciences, Salisbury University, Salisbury, MD, United States
- Department of Psychology, Salisbury University, Salisbury, MD, United States
| | - Jad El-Hajj Sleiman
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, CHU de Québec – Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Philippe Beauchemin
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, CHU de Québec – Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Manu Rangachari
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec – Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Cervantes-Arslanian AM, Venkata C, Anand P, Burns JD, Ong CJ, LeMahieu AM, Schulte PJ, Singh TD, Rabinstein AA, Deo N, Bansal V, Boman K, Domecq Garces JP, Lee Armaignac D, Christie AB, Melamed RR, Tarabichi Y, Cheruku SR, Khanna AK, Denson JL, Banner-Goodspeed VM, Anderson HL, Gajic O, Kumar VK, Walkey A, Kashyap R. Neurologic Manifestations of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection in Hospitalized Patients During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Crit Care Explor 2022; 4:e0686. [PMID: 35492258 PMCID: PMC9042584 DOI: 10.1097/cce.0000000000000686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
To describe the prevalence, associated risk factors, and outcomes of serious neurologic manifestations (encephalopathy, stroke, seizure, and meningitis/encephalitis) among patients hospitalized with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. DESIGN Prospective observational study. SETTING One hundred seventy-nine hospitals in 24 countries within the Society of Critical Care Medicine Discovery Viral Infection and Respiratory Illness Universal Study COVID-19 Registry. PATIENTS Hospitalized adults with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. INTERVENTIONS None. RESULTS Of 16,225 patients enrolled in the registry with hospital discharge status available, 2,092 (12.9%) developed serious neurologic manifestations including 1,656 (10.2%) with encephalopathy at admission, 331 (2.0%) with stroke, 243 (1.5%) with seizure, and 73 (0.5%) with meningitis/encephalitis at admission or during hospitalization. Patients with serious neurologic manifestations of COVID-19 were older with median (interquartile range) age 72 years (61.0-81.0 yr) versus 61 years (48.0-72.0 yr) and had higher prevalence of chronic medical conditions, including vascular risk factors. Adjusting for age, sex, and time since the onset of the pandemic, serious neurologic manifestations were associated with more severe disease (odds ratio [OR], 1.49; p < 0.001) as defined by the World Health Organization ordinal disease severity scale for COVID-19 infection. Patients with neurologic manifestations were more likely to be admitted to the ICU (OR, 1.45; p < 0.001) and require critical care interventions (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: OR, 1.78; p = 0.009 and renal replacement therapy: OR, 1.99; p < 0.001). Hospital, ICU, and 28-day mortality for patients with neurologic manifestations was higher (OR, 1.51, 1.37, and 1.58; p < 0.001), and patients had fewer ICU-free, hospital-free, and ventilator-free days (estimated difference in days, -0.84, -1.34, and -0.84; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Encephalopathy at admission is common in hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and is associated with worse outcomes. While serious neurologic manifestations including stroke, seizure, and meningitis/encephalitis were less common, all were associated with increased ICU support utilization, more severe disease, and worse outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Cervantes-Arslanian
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | | | - Pria Anand
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Joseph D Burns
- Department of Neurology, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, MA
- Department of Neurology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Charlene J Ong
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | | | - Phillip J Schulte
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | | | - Neha Deo
- Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Vikas Bansal
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Karen Boman
- Society of Critical Care Medicine, Mount Prospect, IL
| | | | - Donna Lee Armaignac
- Center for Advanced Analytics, Baptist Health South Florida, Coral Gables, FL
| | | | - Roman R Melamed
- Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Allina Health, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Yasir Tarabichi
- Center for Clinical Informatics Research and Education, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
| | - Sreekanth R Cheruku
- Department of Anesthesiology and Medical Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Ashish K Khanna
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Network, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Joshua L Denson
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Environmental Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - Valerie M Banner-Goodspeed
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Brookline, MA
| | | | - Ognjen Gajic
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | - Allan Walkey
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston MA
| | - Rahul Kashyap
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Putative Role of the Lung-Brain Axis in the Pathogenesis of COVID-19-Associated Respiratory Failure: A Systematic Review. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030729. [PMID: 35327531 PMCID: PMC8944980 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and its related disease caused by coronavirus (COVID-19) has posed a huge threat to the global population, with millions of deaths and the creation of enormous social and healthcare pressure. Several studies have shown that besides respiratory illness, other organs may be damaged as well, including the heart, kidneys, and brain. Current evidence reports a high frequency of neurological manifestations in COVID-19, with significant prognostic implications. Importantly, emerging literature is showing that the virus may spread to the central nervous system through neuronal routes, hitting the brainstem and cardiorespiratory centers, potentially exacerbating the respiratory illness. In this systematic review, we searched public databases for all available evidence and discuss current clinical and pre-clinical data on the relationship between the lung and brain during COVID-19. Acknowledging the involvement of these primordial brain areas in the pathogenesis of the disease may fuel research on the topic and allow the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
|
46
|
Martínez-Salazar B, Holwerda M, Stüdle C, Piragyte I, Mercader N, Engelhardt B, Rieben R, Döring Y. COVID-19 and the Vasculature: Current Aspects and Long-Term Consequences. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:824851. [PMID: 35242762 PMCID: PMC8887620 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.824851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first identified in December 2019 as a novel respiratory pathogen and is the causative agent of Corona Virus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Early on during this pandemic, it became apparent that SARS-CoV-2 was not only restricted to infecting the respiratory tract, but the virus was also found in other tissues, including the vasculature. Individuals with underlying pre-existing co-morbidities like diabetes and hypertension have been more prone to develop severe illness and fatal outcomes during COVID-19. In addition, critical clinical observations made in COVID-19 patients include hypercoagulation, cardiomyopathy, heart arrythmia, and endothelial dysfunction, which are indicative for an involvement of the vasculature in COVID-19 pathology. Hence, this review summarizes the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the vasculature and details how the virus promotes (chronic) vascular inflammation. We provide a general overview of SARS-CoV-2, its entry determinant Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme II (ACE2) and the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 in extrapulmonary tissue. Further, we describe the relation between COVID-19 and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and their impact on the heart and vasculature. Clinical findings on endothelial changes during COVID-19 are reviewed in detail and recent evidence from in vitro studies on the susceptibility of endothelial cells to SARS-CoV-2 infection is discussed. We conclude with current notions on the contribution of cardiovascular events to long term consequences of COVID-19, also known as “Long-COVID-syndrome”. Altogether, our review provides a detailed overview of the current perspectives of COVID-19 and its influence on the vasculature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Berenice Martínez-Salazar
- Division of Angiology, Swiss Cardiovascular Center, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Melle Holwerda
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Chiara Stüdle
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Indre Piragyte
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nadia Mercader
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain.,Bern Center of Precision Medicine BCPM, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Robert Rieben
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yvonne Döring
- Division of Angiology, Swiss Cardiovascular Center, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Hattori Y, Hattori K, Machida T, Matsuda N. Vascular endotheliitis associated with infections: Its pathogenetic role and therapeutic implication. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 197:114909. [PMID: 35021044 PMCID: PMC8743392 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.114909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial cells are major participants in and regulators of immune responses and inflammation. Vascular endotheliitis is regarded as a host immune-inflammatory response of the endothelium forming the inner surface of blood vessels in association with a direct consequence of infectious pathogen invasion. Vascular endotheliitis and consequent endothelial dysfunction can be a principle determinant of microvascular failure, which would favor impaired perfusion, tissue hypoxia, and subsequent organ failure. Emerging evidence suggests the role of vascular endotheliitis in the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its related complications. Thus, once initiated, vascular endotheliitis and resultant cytokine storm cause systemic hyperinflammation and a thrombotic phenomenon in COVID-19, leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome and widespread organ damage. Vascular endotheliitis also appears to be a contributory factor to vasculopathy and coagulopathy in sepsis that is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction due to a dysregulated response of the host to infection. Therefore, protecting endothelial cells and reversing vascular endotheliitis may be a leading therapeutic goal for these diseases associated with vascular endotheliitis. In this review, we outline the etiological and pathogenic importance of vascular endotheliitis in infection-related inflammatory diseases, including COVID-19, and possible mechanisms leading to vascular endotheliitis. We also discuss pharmacological agents which may be now considered as potential endotheliitis-based treatment modalities for those diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Hattori
- Advanced Research Promotion Center, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Tobetsu, Japan; Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan.
| | - Kohshi Hattori
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Relief Center, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuji Machida
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Tobetsu, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Matsuda
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Maccio U, Zinkernagel AS, Schuepbach R, Probst-Mueller E, Frontzek K, Brugger SD, Hofmaenner DA, Moch H, Varga Z. Long-Term Persisting SARS-CoV-2 RNA and Pathological Findings: Lessons Learnt From a Series of 35 COVID-19 Autopsies. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:778489. [PMID: 35223894 PMCID: PMC8865372 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.778489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including the interaction between persisting viral-RNA and specific tissue involvement, pose a challenging issue. In this study, we addressed the chronological correlation (after first clinical diagnosis and postmortem) between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA and organ involvement. METHODS The presence of postmortem SARS-CoV-2 RNA from 35 complete COVID-19 autopsies was correlated with the time interval between the first diagnosis of COVID-19 and death and with its relationship to morphologic findings. RESULTS Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA can be evident up to 40 days after the first diagnosis and can persist to 94 hours after death. Postmortem SARS-CoV-2 RNA was mostly positive in lungs (70%) and trachea (69%), but all investigated organs were positive with variable frequency. Late-stage tissue damage was evident up to 65 days after initial diagnosis in several organs. Positivity for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in pulmonary swabs correlated with diffuse alveolar damage (p = 0.0009). No correlation between positive swabs and other morphologic findings was present. Cerebral (p = 0.0003) and systemic hemorrhages (p = 0.009), cardiac thrombi (p = 0.04), and ischemic events (p = 0.03) were more frequent in the first wave, whereas bacterial pneumonia (p = 0.03) was more prevalent in the second wave. No differences in biometric data, clinical comorbidities, and other autopsy findings were found. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide evidence not only of long-term postmortem persisting SARS-CoV-2 RNA but also of tissue damage several weeks after the first diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additional conditions, such as concomitant bacterial pulmonary superinfection, lung aspergillosis, thromboembolic phenomena, and hemorrhages can further worsen tissue damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Maccio
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital of Zürich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Annelies S Zinkernagel
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Zürich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Reto Schuepbach
- Institute of Intensive Care, University Hospital Zurich, University Hospital of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Karl Frontzek
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Silvio D Brugger
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Zürich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Andrea Hofmaenner
- Institute of Intensive Care, University Hospital Zurich, University Hospital of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Holger Moch
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital of Zürich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Zsuzsanna Varga
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital of Zürich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Filograna L, Manenti G, Ampanozi G, Calcagni A, Ryan CP, Floris R, Thali MJ. Potentials of post-mortem CT investigations during SARS-COV-2 pandemic: a narrative review. Radiol Med 2022; 127:383-390. [PMID: 35226246 PMCID: PMC8884096 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-022-01457-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In December 2019, a new coronavirus, SARS-COV-2, caused a cluster of cases of pneumonia in China, and rapidly spread across the globe. It was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11th, 2020. Virtual autopsy by post-mortem CT (PMCT) and its ancillary techniques are currently applied in post-mortem examinations as minimally or non-invasive techniques with promising results. In this narrative review, we speculate on the potentials of PMCT and its ancillary techniques, as a viable investigation technique for analysis of suspected or confirmed SARS-COV-2 deaths. An online literature search was performed by using three prefix search terms (postmortem, post-mortem, post mortem) individually combined with the suffix radiology, imaging, computed tomography, CT and with the search terms ‘SARS-CoV-2’ and ‘COVID-19’ to identify papers about PMCT and its ancillary techniques in SARS-COV-2 positive cadavers. PMCT findings suggestive for pulmonary COVID-19 in deceased positive SARS-COV-2 infection are reported in the literature. PMCT ancillary techniques were never applied in such cases. PMCT imaging of the lungs has been proposed as a pre-autopsy screening method for SARS-COV-2 infection. Further studies are needed to ascertain the value of PMCT in determining COVID-19 as the cause of death without autopsy histopathological confirmation. We advocate the application of PMCT techniques in the study of ascertained or suspected SARS-COV-2 infected deceased individuals as a screening technique and as a method of post-mortem investigation, to augment the numbers of case examined and significantly reducing infection risk for the operators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Filograna
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Fondazione PTV Policlinico Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133, Rome, Lazio, IT, Italy.
| | - Guglielmo Manenti
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Fondazione PTV Policlinico Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133, Rome, Lazio, IT, Italy
| | - Garyfalia Ampanozi
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Antonello Calcagni
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Fondazione PTV Policlinico Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133, Rome, Lazio, IT, Italy
| | - Colleen Patricia Ryan
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Fondazione PTV Policlinico Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133, Rome, Lazio, IT, Italy
| | - Roberto Floris
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Fondazione PTV Policlinico Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133, Rome, Lazio, IT, Italy
| | - Michael John Thali
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Filograna L, Grassi S, Manenti G, Di Donna C, Tatulli D, Nardoni F, Masini V, Ausania F, Grassi VM, Floris R, Colosimo C, Arena V, Pascali VL, Oliva A. Postmortem CT pulmonary findings in SARS-CoV-2-positive cases: correlation with lung histopathological findings and autopsy results. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:1407-1415. [PMID: 35157128 PMCID: PMC8853405 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02793-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction/purpose Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) is a valuable tool for analyzing the death of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between PMCT lung findings in autopsy cadavers positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection and the severity of COVID-19 lung disease by histopathological analysis. Materials and methods We reviewed chest PMCT findings, paying particular attention to the lung parenchyma, in 8 autopsy cases positive for SARS-CoV-2. Correlations between chest PMCT and histopathological findings were assessed. Clinical conditions and comorbidities were also recorded and discussed. The primary cause of death was finally considered. Results In 6/8 cases, pulmonary PMCT findings were massive consolidation (4/8) and bilateral diffuse mixed densities with a crazy-paving pattern (2/8). These cases showed severe pulmonary signs of COVID-19 at histopathological analysis. In the remaining 2/8 cases, pulmonary PMCT findings were scant antideclive ground-glass opacities in prevalent gradient densities attributed to hypostasis. In 4/8 cases with massive consolidations, important comorbidities were noted. In 6/8 cases with severe pulmonary histopathological signs of lung COVID-19, autopsy found that the cause of death was cardiorespiratory failure. In the remaining 2/8 cases, histopathological analysis revealed lung alterations due to edema and some signs of SARS-CoV-2 infection; the cause of death was not attributed to SARS-CoV-2 infection (Table 1). Discussion and conclusion Chest PMCT findings correlate with the severity of COVID-19 lung disease at histopathology examination. According to our results, there may also be a relationship between cause of death and PMCT findings in COVID-19, which must be critically analyzed considering clinical antemortem data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Filograna
- Department of Integrated Care Processes, Diagnostic Imaging Area, Tor Vergata University, PTV Policlinico Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133, FondazioneRome, Italy.
| | - Simone Grassi
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito, 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Manenti
- Department of Integrated Care Processes, Diagnostic Imaging Area, Tor Vergata University, PTV Policlinico Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133, FondazioneRome, Italy
| | - Carlo Di Donna
- Department of Integrated Care Processes, Diagnostic Imaging Area, Tor Vergata University, PTV Policlinico Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133, FondazioneRome, Italy
| | - Doriana Tatulli
- Department of Integrated Care Processes, Diagnostic Imaging Area, Tor Vergata University, PTV Policlinico Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133, FondazioneRome, Italy
| | - Francesco Nardoni
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito, 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Masini
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Oncological Radiotherapy and Hematology - Diagnostic Imaging Area, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito, 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Ausania
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito, 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Maria Grassi
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito, 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Floris
- Department of Integrated Care Processes, Diagnostic Imaging Area, Tor Vergata University, PTV Policlinico Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133, FondazioneRome, Italy
| | - Cesare Colosimo
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Oncological Radiotherapy and Hematology - Diagnostic Imaging Area, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito, 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Arena
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Area of Pathology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito, 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Lorenzo Pascali
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito, 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Oliva
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito, 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|