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Thiriveedi M, Sto. Domingo FG, Longley S, Patel S, Baddam S, Chimakurthy A. Post-COVID-19 Guillain-Barré Syndrome with GM1 and GD1b Antibodies: A Case Study and Literature Review. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CASE REPORTS 2025; 26:e947416. [PMID: 40293968 PMCID: PMC12049074 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.947416] [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: 11/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2025] [Indexed: 04/30/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to the emergence of various neurological complications, including Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). GBS is an acute, immune-mediated disorder characterized by progressive weakness, sensory deficits, and autonomic dysfunction. Anti-ganglioside antibodies are often seen in GBS; however, they are rarely reported in the setting of COVID-19-related GBS. We present a case of post-COVID-19 GBS with positive GM1 and GD1b antibodies. CASE REPORT An 86-year-old man presented with progressive quadriparesis, sensory deficits, and hyporeflexia 4 weeks after COVID-19 infection. Brain and spine imaging were unremarkable. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed albuminocytological dissociation, consistent with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP). Despite 2 courses of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), the patient showed minimal improvement in muscle strength. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) revealed severe sensorimotor polyneuropathy, with axonal and demyelinating features. Serum testing showed elevated GM1 and GD1b anti-ganglioside antibody titers. CONCLUSIONS Although numerous cases of COVID-19-related GBS have been reported, anti-ganglioside antibody positivity, particularly GM1 and GD1b, is uncommon. The underlying mechanism is presumed to be autoimmune, likely triggered by molecular mimicry. Our case contributes to the evolving understanding of GBS immunology in the context of COVID-19. Although this case report may not alter current GBS management, the co-occurrence of GM1 and GD1b antibodies in post-COVID-19 GBS underscores the need for continued vigilance, immunological profiling, and research into potential prognostic and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrudula Thiriveedi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Decatur Morgan Hospital, Decatur, AL, USA
| | | | - Sawyer Longley
- Department of Medicine, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan, AL, USA
| | - Siddharth Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Decatur Morgan Hospital, Decatur, AL, USA
| | - Sujatha Baddam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsville Hospital, Huntsville, AL, USA
| | - Anil Chimakurthy
- Department of Neurology, Decatur Morgan Hospital, Decatur, AL, USA
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2
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Tran E, Phu V, Xu R, Teoderascu A, Aly M, Shah N, Malvankar-Mehta MS. Ocular manifestations of COVID-19: systematic review and meta-analysis. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2024; 59:e435-e452. [PMID: 37683691 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our study aims to build on our understanding of COVID-19 by detailing a comprehensive look at the prevalence of different ocular manifestations related to COVID-19 infection. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS Eligible studies published between June 20, 2021, and May 11, 2023, were retrieved from the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases as well as grey literature. Covidence was used to conduct the systematic review. Duplicate records were removed, and 2 independent reviewers screened records for relevance. After screening, a risk-of-bias assessment was carried out. Data were extracted, and a meta-analysis was performed using STATA 14.0. Fixed-effects and random-effects models were computed based on heterogeneity. RESULTS Our meta-analysis included 43 articles with a total of 10,572 subjects. The results showed that COVID-19 patients had a significantly higher prevalence of conjunctivitis (effect size [ES] = 0.11; 95% CI, 0.07-0.15), ptosis (ES = 0.22; 95% CI, 0.15-0.30), and ophthalmoplegia (ES = 0.40; 95% CI, 0.06-0.74). Our results also indicate that COVID-19 patients have higher prevalence of cotton wool spots (ES = 0.06; 95% CI, 0.03-0.09), retinal hemorrhages (ES = 0.12; 95% CI, 0.06-0.18), and retinal vein tortuosity (ES = 0.19; 95% CI, 0.09-0.35). CONCLUSION COVID-19 can exhibit extrapulmonary manifestations, affecting both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. Common anterior-segment findings include conjunctivitis, whereas posterior-segment findings may include cotton wool spots, retinal hemorrhages, and retinal vein tortuosity. Improving our understanding of the ocular manifestations of COVID-19 has the potential to facilitate quicker diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Tran
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON
| | - Vivian Phu
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON
| | - Riley Xu
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON
| | - Angela Teoderascu
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON
| | - Mohamed Aly
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON
| | - Nirmit Shah
- Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Monali S Malvankar-Mehta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON.
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3
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Brauer T, Paika S, Kotwani R, Khanna D. Neurological Complications of COVID-19 Infection: A Comprehensive Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e65192. [PMID: 39176347 PMCID: PMC11341106 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.65192] [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: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is well on its way to reaching endemic status across the globe. While the medical community's understanding of the respiratory complications induced by COVID-19 is improving, there is still much to be learned about the neurological manifestations associated with COVID-19 infection. This review aimed to compile relevant, available evidence of COVID-19-induced neurological complications and to provide information for each complication regarding symptomology, progression patterns, demographic risk factors, treatment, and causative mechanism of action when available. Data for this review was collected using a confined search on PubMed using the keywords ["COVID-19" OR "SARS-CoV-2"] AND ["neurological complications" OR "olfactory symptoms" OR "gustatory symptoms" OR "myalgia" OR "headache" OR "dizziness" OR "stroke" OR "seizures" OR "meningoencephalitis" OR "cerebellar ataxia" OR "acute myelitis" OR "Guillain Barré Syndrome" OR "Miller Fisher Syndrome" OR "Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome"] between 2019 and 2023. A wide range of neurological manifestations impact a significant percentage of COVID-19 patients, and a deeper understanding of these manifestations is necessary to ensure adequate management. The most common neurological complications identified consist of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions, myalgia, headache, and dizziness, while the most severe complications include stroke, seizures, meningoencephalitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, Miller Fisher syndrome, acute myelitis, and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. While this review effectively provides a roadmap of the neurological risks posed to COVID-19 patients, further research is needed to clarify the precise incidence of these complications and to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for their manifestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis Brauer
- Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clearwater, USA
| | - Sulaiman Paika
- Foundational Sciences, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clearwater, USA
| | - Roshni Kotwani
- Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clearwater, USA
| | - Deepesh Khanna
- Foundational Sciences, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clearwater, USA
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Neophytou P, Artemiadis A, Hadjigeorgiou GM, Zis P. Miller Fischer syndrome after COVID-19 infection and vaccine: a systematic review. Acta Neurol Belg 2023; 123:1693-1701. [PMID: 37468803 PMCID: PMC10505097 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-023-02336-5] [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: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 (CoranaVirus disease 2019) is an ongoing infectious disease caused by the RNA SARS-CoV-2 virus (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus-2). The virus mainly causes respiratory symptoms, but neurological symptoms have also been reported to be part of the clinical manifestations of the disease. The aim of this study was to systematically review Miller fisher syndrome (MFS) published cases, in the context of COVID-19 infection or vaccination. METHODS A systematic literature review on Medline was performed. A total of 21 papers were included in the present review. RESULTS Twenty-two MFS cases (77% males) were identified, 14 related to COVID-19 infection and 8 to vaccination against COVID-19. The median age of the adult patients was 50 years (interquartile range 36-63 years). Sixteen patients (73%) had the classic triad of MFS (ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, areflexia), four (18%) had acute ophthalmoplegia and one other characteristic symptom and two patients (9%) had only one other characteristic symptom, but they tested positive for GQ1b antibodies. Nine (41%) patients had positive GQ1b antibodies and were classified as "definite" MFS. Albuminocytologic dissociation was found in half of the cases. The outcome was favourable in the majority of cases (86%) whereas one patient, despite the initial improvement, died because of a cardiac arrest, after cardiac arrythmia. CONCLUSIONS MFS after COVID-19 infection/vaccination was found to have the typical epidemiological characteristics of classic MFS; being rare, occurring more often after infection than vaccination, affecting mainly middle-aged males usually within 3 weeks after the event and having an excellent prognosis after treatment with IVIG or even with no treatment at all. We found no evidence that MFS after COVID-19 infection was different from MFS after COVID-19 vaccination, although the former tended to occur earlier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panayiota Neophytou
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, Old Road Nicosia-Limmasol 215/6, 2029, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Artemios Artemiadis
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, Old Road Nicosia-Limmasol 215/6, 2029, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Panagiotis Zis
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, Old Road Nicosia-Limmasol 215/6, 2029, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- Medical School, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772, Athens, Greece.
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5
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Rojas M, Herrán M, Ramírez-Santana C, Leung PSC, Anaya JM, Ridgway WM, Gershwin ME. Molecular mimicry and autoimmunity in the time of COVID-19. J Autoimmun 2023; 139:103070. [PMID: 37390745 PMCID: PMC10258587 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2023.103070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases are commonly implicated as potential initiators of autoimmune diseases (ADs) and represent the most commonly known factor in the development of autoimmunity in susceptible individuals. Epidemiological data and animal studies on multiple ADs suggest that molecular mimicry is one of the likely mechanisms for the loss of peripheral tolerance and the development of clinical disease. Besides molecular mimicry, other mechanisms such as defects in central tolerance, nonspecific bystander activation, epitope-determinant spreading, and/or constant antigenic stimuli, may also contribute for breach of tolerance and to the development of ADs. Linear peptide homology is not the only mechanism by which molecular mimicry is established. Peptide modeling (i.e., 3D structure), molecular docking analyses, and affinity estimation for HLAs are emerging as critical strategies when studying the links of molecular mimicry in the development of autoimmunity. In the current pandemic, several reports have confirmed an influence of SARS-CoV-2 on subsequent autoimmunity. Bioinformatic and experimental evidence support the potential role of molecular mimicry. Peptide dimensional analysis requires more research and will be increasingly important for designing and distributing vaccines and better understanding the role of environmental factors related to autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Rojas
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA; Center for Autoimmune Diseases Research (CREA), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia.
| | - María Herrán
- Center for Autoimmune Diseases Research (CREA), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Carolina Ramírez-Santana
- Center for Autoimmune Diseases Research (CREA), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Patrick S C Leung
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Juan-Manuel Anaya
- Health Research and Innovation Center at Coosalud, Cartagena, 130001, Colombia
| | - William M Ridgway
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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Poyraz T. Miller Fisher Syndrome Associated With COVID-19: A History of Molecular Mimicry and an Up-to-Date Review of the Literature. Cureus 2023; 15:e43111. [PMID: 37692684 PMCID: PMC10484161 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43111] [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: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) was first recognized by Collier in 1932 as a clinical triad of ataxia, areflexia, and ophthalmoplegia. In 1956, three cases with this triad were published by Miller Fisher as a limited variant of Guillian-Barré syndrome (GBS), and the disease started to be called by his name. Since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, there have been many reports of peripheral and central nervous system involvement. Until December 2022, a total of 24 cases, including four children associated with MFS, had been reported. This current review aimed to present the basic clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with MFS and coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Since 2020, cases with different age and gender characteristics have been reported from eight different countries. Most cases were reported from Europe. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed in seven of the cases. The youngest case reported was a 6-year-old boy from Turkey, while the oldest case was a 70-year-old female from Spain. All these reported cases and our past medical knowledge of MFS suggest that molecular mimicry is the main immunological mechanism. Despite all these data, more case reports, cohorts, and case-control studies will be needed to clarify the relationship between MFS and COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Turan Poyraz
- Department of Elderly Care, Izmir University of Economics, İzmir, TUR
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7
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Iwasaki M, Nishizawa T, Iida E, Arioka H. Third cranial nerve palsy due to COVID-19 infection. BMJ Case Rep 2023; 16:16/5/e255142. [PMID: 37137545 PMCID: PMC10163548 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-255142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We report a case of a previously healthy man in his 40s who presented with mild SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) concomitant with acute onset of left third cranial nerve palsy with restricted supraduction, adduction and infraduction. Our patient did not present any history of hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus or smoking. The patient recovered spontaneously without any antiviral treatment. To our knowledge, this is the second report of third cranial nerve palsy spontaneously resolved without any risk factors of vascular disease, specific image findings, nor any possible causes other than COVID-19. In addition, we reviewed 10 other cases of third cranial nerve palsy associated with COVID-19, which suggested that the aetiology varies greatly. As a clinician, it is important to recognise COVID-19 as a differential diagnosis for third cranial nerve palsy. Finally, we aimed to encapsulate the aetiologies and the prognosis of the third cranial nerve palsy associated with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Iwasaki
- Department of General Internal Medicine, St. Luke's International Hospital, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshinori Nishizawa
- Department of General Internal Medicine, St. Luke's International Hospital, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eiki Iida
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, St. Luke's International Hospital, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroko Arioka
- Department of General Internal Medicine, St. Luke's International Hospital, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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8
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Ghaderi S, Olfati M, Ghaderi M, Hadizadeh H, Yazdanpanah G, Khodadadi Z, Karami A, Papi Z, Abdi N, Sharif Jalali SS, Khatyal R, Banisharif S, Bahari F, Zarasvandnia M, Mohammadi S, Mohammadi M. Neurological manifestation in COVID-19 disease with neuroimaging studies. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE 2023; 12:42-84. [PMID: 37213710 PMCID: PMC10195392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain or spine examines the findings as well as the time interval between the onset of symptoms and other adverse effects in coronavirus disease that first appeared in 2019 (COVID-19) patients. The goal of this study is to look at studies that use neuroimaging to look at neurological and neuroradiological symptoms in COVID-19 patients. METHODS We try to put together all of the research on how severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes neurological symptoms and cognitive-behavioral changes and give a full picture. RESULTS We have categorized neuroimaging findings into subtitles such as: headache and dizziness; cerebrovascular complications after stroke; Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH); Cerebral Microbleeds (CMBs); encephalopathy; meningitis; encephalitis and myelitis; altered mental status (AMS) and delirium; seizure; neuropsychiatric symptoms; Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) and its variants; smell and taste disorders; peripheral neuropathy; Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI); and myopathy and myositis. CONCLUSION In this review study, we talked about some MRI findings that show how COVID-19 affects the nervous system based on what we found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadegh Ghaderi
- Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical SciencesTehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Olfati
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, School of Paramedical, Kermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshah, Iran
| | - Majid Ghaderi
- Radiology Technology Department, School of Paramedicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehran, Iran
| | - Hojatollah Hadizadeh
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, School of Paramedical, Kermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshah, Iran
| | - Ghazal Yazdanpanah
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical SciencesBabol, Iran
| | - Zahra Khodadadi
- Department of Radiology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahrekord University of Medical SciencesShahrekord, Iran
| | - Asra Karami
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical SciencesTehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Papi
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical ScienceIsfahan, Iran
| | - Negar Abdi
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Kurdistan University of Medical SciencesSanandaj, lran
| | - Seyedeh Shadi Sharif Jalali
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshah, Iran
| | - Rahim Khatyal
- Radiology Technology Department, School of Paramedicine, Tabriz University of Medical SciencesTabriz, Iran
| | - Shabnam Banisharif
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical ScienceIsfahan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Bahari
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical SciencesSemnan, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Zarasvandnia
- Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Paramedicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical SciencesAhvaz, Iran
| | - Sana Mohammadi
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical SciencesTehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Mohammadi
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical SciencesTehran, Iran
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Abstract
We review the wide variety of common neuroimaging manifestations related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and COVID therapies, grouping the entities by likely pathophysiology, recognizing that the etiology of many entities remains uncertain. Direct viral invasion likely contributes to olfactory bulb abnormalities. COVID meningoencephalitis may represent direct viral infection and/or autoimmune inflammation. Para-infectious inflammation and inflammatory demyelination at the time of infection are likely primary contributors to acute necrotizing encephalopathy, cytotoxic lesion of the corpus callosum, and diffuse white matter abnormality. Later postinfectious inflammation and demyelination may manifest as acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, or transverse myelitis. The hallmark vascular inflammation and coagulopathy of COVID-19 may produce acute ischemic infarction, microinfarction contributing to white matter abnormality, space-occupying hemorrhage or microhemorrhage, venous thrombosis, and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Adverse effects of therapies including zinc, chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine, antivirals, and vaccines, and current evidence regarding "long COVID" is briefly reviewed. Finally, we present a case of bacterial and fungal superinfection related to immune dysregulation from COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jisoo Kim
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School & Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Geoffrey S Young
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School & Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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10
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Abu-Abaa M, Jumaah O, Mousa A, Aldookhi A. Miller Fisher Syndrome With Positive Anti-GQ1b/GQ1d Antibodies Associated With COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report. Cureus 2023; 15:e36924. [PMID: 37128531 PMCID: PMC10148731 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.36924] [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] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The association between Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and its variants including Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) has been reported and debated in the literature. Herein, we are reporting a 59-year-old male patient who had flu-like symptoms for 10 days prior to presentation with rapidly progressive weakness, dysphagia, and dysarthria. He tested positive for COVID-19 and further workup showed positive anti-GQ1b and GQ1d antibodies. The diagnosis of MFS was presumed and prompted the commencement of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Respiratory deterioration prompted intubation and failure of extubation necessitated plasmapheresis. This treatment culminated in successful extubation and discharge to a long-term care facility. This case adds to the currently limited body of cases that report the association of a rare GBS variant with COVID-19 infection. Only a few of the reported cases of COVID-19-related MFS cases had positive anti-GQ1b antibodies. This may well be the first reported case of COVID-19-related MFS with positive anti-GQ1b and anti-GQ1d antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Abu-Abaa
- Internal Medicine, Capital Health Regional Medical Center, Trenton, USA
| | - Omar Jumaah
- Internal Medicine, Capital Health Regional Medical Center, Trenton, USA
| | - Aliaa Mousa
- Internal Medicine, Capital Health Regional Medical Center, Trenton, USA
| | - Alaa Aldookhi
- Internal Medicine, Capital Health Regional Medical Center, Trenton, USA
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11
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Alqahtani MS, Abbas M, Alshahrani MY, Alabdullh K, Alqarni A, Alqahtani FF, Jambi LK, Alkhayat A. Effects of COVID-19 on Synaptic and Neuronal Degeneration. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13010131. [PMID: 36672112 PMCID: PMC9856402 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13010131] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons are the basic building blocks of the human body's neurological system. Atrophy is defined by the disintegration of the connections between cells that enable them to communicate. Peripheral neuropathy and demyelinating disorders, as well as cerebrovascular illnesses and central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory diseases, have all been linked to brain damage, including Parkinson's disease (PD). It turns out that these diseases have a direct impact on brain atrophy. However, it may take some time after the onset of one of these diseases for this atrophy to be clearly diagnosed. With the emergence of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there were several clinical observations of COVID-19 patients. Among those observations is that the virus can cause any of the diseases that can lead to brain atrophy. Here we shed light on the research that tracked the relationship of these diseases to the COVID-19 virus. The importance of this review is that it is the first to link the relationship between the Coronavirus and diseases that cause brain atrophy. It also indicates the indirect role of the virus in dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed S. Alqahtani
- Radiological Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
- BioImaging Unit, Space Research Centre, University of Leicester, Michael Atiyah Building, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Mohamed Abbas
- Electrical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
- Electronics and Communications Department, College of Engineering, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa 35712, Egypt
- Correspondence:
| | - Mohammad Y. Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khulud Alabdullh
- Radiology Department, King Abdullah Hospital Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amjad Alqarni
- Radiological Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fawaz F. Alqahtani
- Department of Radiological Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran 55461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Layal K. Jambi
- Radiological Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 10219, Riyadh 11433, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adnan Alkhayat
- Department of Hematopathology, King Fahad Central Hospital, Gizan 82666, Saudi Arabia
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12
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Bentley SA, Ahmad S, Kobeissy FH, Toklu HZ. Concomitant Guillain-Barré Syndrome and COVID-19: A Meta-Analysis of Cases. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58121835. [PMID: 36557036 PMCID: PMC9788175 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58121835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Recent findings demonstrate that the transmigration of severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to the nervous system implicates severe neurotropic pathologies, including the onset of the rare disease called Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) which is characterized by immune-mediated polyneuropathy. This study aimed to identify the predisposing factors and the clinical features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-induced GBS. Materials and Methods: We have performed an analysis of 147 cases. A systematic review of the published research work was performed per the PRISMA statement to obtain individual participant data (IPD) for the meta-analysis. The search was conducted through PubMed, using the combined search terms "Guillain-Barré syndrome" and "COVID-19". All case reports and series in the English language with accessed full text were included in the search. Results: A systematic database search led to the retrieval of 112 peer-reviewed articles published between 1 April 2020, and 8 February 2022. The articles comprised 16 case series and 96 case reports containing IPD for 147 patients. Our findings showed that 77.6% of all cases were 40 years or older. Males comprised most of the cases (65.3%; n = 96). The intensive care unit (ICU) admission was 44.9%, and the need for mechanical ventilation (MV) was 38.1%. The patients presented with hyporeflexia or areflexia (84.4%; n = 124), lower limb strength and sensation impairment (93.2%; n = 138), upper limb strength and sensation impairment (85.7; n = 126), and somatic sensation impairment (72.8%; n = 107). The patients presented with increased cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) protein levels (92%; n = 92) and the presence of CSF albuminocytological dissociation (83.5%; n = 71). The most common variant of GBS observed was acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP). We found that predisposing factors concomitant with COVID-19 and GBS were male gender and older age. Among the cases, patient mortality was 10.9%. Conclusions: A gap of knowledge exists regarding the complete spectrum of clinical characteristics of COVID-19-related GBS. Recent findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 triggers GBS, as it follows a similar para-infectious pattern as the other viral agents contributing to the onset of GBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skylar A. Bentley
- College of Health Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
- Burnette Honors College, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
| | - Sarfraz Ahmad
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
- Advent Health Cancer Institute, Orlando, FL 32804, USA
| | - Firas H. Kobeissy
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
- Correspondence: (F.H.K.); (H.Z.T.); Tel.: +1-352-328-4617 (F.H.K.); +1-352-562-2220 (H.Z.T.)
| | - Hale Z. Toklu
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
- Correspondence: (F.H.K.); (H.Z.T.); Tel.: +1-352-328-4617 (F.H.K.); +1-352-562-2220 (H.Z.T.)
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Meshref M, Shaheen N, Swed S, Ibrahim M, Mostafa MR, Algazar MO, Dobs M, Elsayed SI, Amro Y, Afsa A, Morra ME. An overview of third, fourth and sixth cranial nerve palsies in the setting of COVID-19: A case report and systematic review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e32023. [PMID: 36626529 PMCID: PMC9750665 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000032023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Covid-19 has serious sequelae that may be poorly understood, underreported, and, as a result, not diagnosed promptly, such as variations in clinical manifestations of hyperinflammation among people infected with SARS-CoV-2. ophthalmoplegia can be one of these manifestations. METHODS We are reporting a 55-year-old male patient with unilateral diplopia considering it as a case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults. We also reviewed the literature systematically for the previously reported studies/cases with third, fourth and sixth cranial nerve palsies due to or after Covid-19. RESULTS The literature search yielded 17 studies reporting 29 patients. 71.4% of the patients were males with a mean age of 42.23 years. Ophthalmological symptoms took 9.7 days to appear after the respiratory involvement. All patients had diplopia as part of their visual symptoms. 41.4% of the patients had unilateral sixth nerve palsy, 24% had bilateral sixth nerve involvement, 17% had fourth nerve involvement, and 27.6% had third nerve involvement. CONCLUSION Ophthalmoplegia is considered presenting symptom of Covid-19. Further research is needed to detect all neuro-ophthalmological manifestations of Covid-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nour Shaheen
- Alexandria University, Alexandria Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Sarya Swed
- Aleppo University, Faculty of Medicine, Aleppo, Syria
| | - Mohamed Ibrahim
- Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, Wickford, UK
| | | | | | - Monica Dobs
- University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville, Jacksonville, USA
| | | | - Yara Amro
- Pharmacist Ministry of Health, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Afsa
- Emergency Department, Pilgrim Hospital, United Lincolnshire NHS Trust, Boston, UK
| | - Mostafa Ebraheem Morra
- Gastroenterology Department, Pilgrim Hospital, United Lincolnshire NHS Trust, Boston, UK
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14
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Hashemi HA, Saeed S, Abedzadeh A, Hashmi AA. COVID-19 related vascular complications in a pediatric patient: A case report. Radiol Case Rep 2022; 17:3801-3805. [PMID: 35965933 PMCID: PMC9358307 DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2022.07.051] [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: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is a relatively recent infection that has resulted in a global pandemic, appearing first at the end of 2019. While initially presenting as a predominantly respiratory disease, with a classical picture of fever, dry cough, dyspnea and, in some cases anosmia and ageusia, recent cases have shown increasingly atypical and more systemic manifestation of the disease. A precise understanding of the extent and pathophysiology of COVID-19 remains underway to this day, particularly concerning its behavior in the pediatric population. Moreover, there has been an increasing number of COVID-19 reports with neurological complications and manifestations, prompting inquiry into neuroinvasion. Postulations include indirect invasion through a surge of inflammatory mediators “cytokine storm” and subsequent widespread endothelial injury; and direct neural tropism. We report the case of a previously healthy 12-year-old male presenting with acute right-sided hemiparesis, new-onset seizures and a generalized petechial rash. Laboratory tests revealed elevated inflammatory markers and radiological investigations confirmed an evolving left middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarct and large vessel vasculitis. Testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection was positive.
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15
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Gogu AE, Motoc AG, Docu Axelerad A, Stroe AZ, Gogu AA, Jianu DC. Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome and Hemorrhagic Encephalitis Presenting in a Patient after COVID-19 Vaccination Followed by COVID-19 Infection. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12070902. [PMID: 35884709 PMCID: PMC9313130 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12070902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of neurological symptoms within the clinical range of COVID-19 disease infection has increased. This paper presents the situation of a 45-year-old man having the medical antecedent diabetes mellitus, who presented to the emergency department with fever, headache, and respiratory symptoms, nine days following vaccination with the Ad26.COV2-S COVID-19 vaccine. The patient tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 based on nasal polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Two weeks after the presentation, he developed Tolosa–Hunt Syndrome, an autoimmune phenomenon, with painful left ophthalmoplegia. Significant improvement was seen in terms of his discomfort; however, ptosis and ocular mobility improved only moderately after treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone, and the patient was discharged on a new insulin regimen. The patient returned after four weeks and the neurological exam results showed significant signs of right hemiparesis, mixed aphasia, incomplete left ophthalmoplegia, severe headache, and agitation; after a few days, the patient experienced a depressed level of consciousness and coma. The patient’s clinical condition worsened and, unfortunately, he died. MRI brain images revealed multiple ischemic strokes, meningitis, infectious vasculitis, and hemorrhagic encephalitis, which are all serious complications of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Elena Gogu
- Department of Neurology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.E.G.); (D.C.J.)
- Centre for Cognitive Research in Neuropsychiatric Pathology (Neuropsy-Cog), Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Andrei Gheorghe Motoc
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Any Docu Axelerad
- Department of Neurology, General Medicine Faculty, “Ovidius” University, 900470 Constanta, Romania;
| | - Alina Zorina Stroe
- Department of Neurology, General Medicine Faculty, “Ovidius” University, 900470 Constanta, Romania;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-727-987-950
| | - Andreea Alexandra Gogu
- “Victor Babes”, Medicine Faculty, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Dragos Catalin Jianu
- Department of Neurology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.E.G.); (D.C.J.)
- Centre for Cognitive Research in Neuropsychiatric Pathology (Neuropsy-Cog), Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
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16
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Aldabain L, Haddaden M, Farooqi R, Alissa M. COVID-19 Presenting As Miller Fisher Syndrome in a Patient With a History of Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Case Report. Cureus 2022; 14:e26588. [PMID: 35936171 PMCID: PMC9351825 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.26588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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17
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SARS-CoV-2-associated Guillain-Barré syndrome in four patients: what do we know about pathophysiology? Acta Neurol Belg 2022; 122:703-707. [PMID: 34476752 PMCID: PMC8412854 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-021-01787-y] [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: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background A growing number of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) and Miller Fisher Syndrome (MFS) cases following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection are reported. Nevertheless, this association is still debated, and pathophysiology remains unclear. Methods Between April and December 2020, in three hospitals located in Brussels, Belgium, we examined four patients with GBS following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results Neurological onset occurred 3 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 symptoms in all patients. Three patients presented with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) and had negative anti-ganglioside testing: two suffered from a severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and had good clinical outcome after intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment; one with mild SARS-CoV-2 infection had spontaneously favorable evolution without treatment. The fourth patient had critical SARS-CoV-2 infection and presented acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) with clinical features highly suggestive of brainstem involvement, as well as positive anti-ganglioside antibodies (anti-GD1b IgG) and had partial improvement after IVIG. Conclusions We report four cases of SARS-CoV-2-associated GBS. The interval of 3 weeks between SARS-CoV-2 symptoms and neurological onset, the clinical improvement after IVIG administration, and the presence of positive anti-ganglioside antibodies in one patient further support the hypothesis of an immune-mediated post-infectious process. Systematic extensive antibody testing might help for a better understanding of physiopathology. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13760-021-01787-y.
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18
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Kuang W, Desai P, Voloshko A, Jayasekara D. COVID-19-Associated Miller Fisher Syndrome With Long Latency Period: A Case Report. Cureus 2022; 14:e24638. [PMID: 35663687 PMCID: PMC9156344 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.24638] [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] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been known to affect multiple organ systems, aside from the respiratory system. Increasing reports of post-infection neurological complications have been reported. Miller-Fisher syndrome, a rare variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), has been reported after COVID-19 infection. We present the youngest known adult (26-year-old male) reported to have had COVID-19-associated Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) with also the longest reported latency period (10 weeks) between infection and development of neurological symptoms (including dysphagia, horizontal diplopia, facial weakness, upper and lower extremity weakness, paresthesia). This is currently the second youngest reported case after the case of a seven-year-old child. The patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and was ultimately transferred to a different facility for higher level of care. Most symptoms were resolved within four days. The patient reported resolution of neurologic symptoms with the exception of left-sided facial weakness at the one-year follow-up. As more reports of COVID-19-associated GBS and MFS appear in the future, we are likely to discover more variability than was previously known in GBS and MFS. With COVID-19 potentially affecting multiple systems, there could be increased variability to previously known conditions. Future studies may need to closely examine long-term follow-ups of patients previously diagnosed with COVID-19 as post-COVID complications become more prevalent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne Kuang
- Pediatrics, Los Angeles County+University of Southern California Medical Center, Los Angeles, USA
- Internal Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, USA
| | - Priya Desai
- Internal Medicine, Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego, USA
- Internal Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, USA
| | - Alexander Voloshko
- Internal Medicine, Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara, USA
- Internal Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, USA
| | - Deepthi Jayasekara
- Infectious Disease, Emanate Health Queen of the Valley Hospital, West Covina, USA
- Internal Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, USA
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19
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Singh J, Kumar N, Dinkar A. Demographic, clinical, investigational characteristics of COVID-19 related Guillain-Barré syndrome with differences from typical and another virus-related Guillain-Barré syndrome. Infect Disord Drug Targets 2022; 22:IDDT-EPUB-123097. [PMID: 35507796 DOI: 10.2174/1871526522666220429134113] [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: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS SARS-CoV-2 infection typically presents with fever and respiratory symptoms. Besides this, COVID-19 related central and peripheral nervous system manifestations are emerging. OBJECTIVES This study summarises the demographics, clinical profile, laboratory findings, management strategies, and outcomes in a large number of patients with COVID-19 related GBS and its variants. We also compared its clinical profile with Zika and dengue virus-related GBS. METHODS Authors carried out a literature search up to Dec 31, 2020, in MEDLINE, PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane database, and Google Scholar for all published articles. RESULTS The study identified 54 different types of articles consisting of 70 cases from 17 countries worldwide. Maximum cases 15 (21.4%) were identified from Italy, followed by USA 12 (17.1%), Spain 11 (15.7%), and Iran 10 (14.3%). The age group more than 60 years had most cases with 32 (45.7%) cases followed by age group 40-60 with cases 25 (35.7%) with male and female ratio 2. Maximum cases were treated with IVIG infusion 58 (82.9%), followed by Plasma exchange 13 (18.6%) cases. Out of 70 cases, 7 (10%) cases were manifested as Miller-Fisher syndrome. The most predominant electrodiagnostic variant was demyelinating neuropathy in 41 (73.21%) cases. The outcome reported in 67 cases was survival in 63 (90%) cases and the death of 4 (5.7%) cases. CONCLUSION Covid 19 related GBS were reported worldwide with a better outcome. Both postinfectious or parainfectious patterns were reported. Early recognition with prompt management of GBS can prevent further severe morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitendra Singh
- Department of General Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, U.P, India
| | - Nilesh Kumar
- Department of General Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, U.P, India
| | - Anju Dinkar
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, U.P, India
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20
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Racke MK, Niles JK, Lorenz RA, Kaufman HW. Changes in ganglioside antibody positivity rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Neuroimmunol 2022; 367:577877. [PMID: 35490444 PMCID: PMC9023361 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2022.577877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Reports suggested an association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and GBS, but subsequent studies produced conflicting results regarding the incidence of GBS during the pandemic. This study assessed positivity rates for GQ1b, GM-1, GD1a, and GD1b for tests performed January 2016, through March 2021, at a national laboratory. Relative to pre-pandemic levels, positivity rates during the pandemic declined by 61% for GQ1b and 24% for GM-1, while unchanged for GD1a and GD1b. These findings suggest heterogeneity with positivity rates of GBS-associated ganglioside antibodies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mitigation strategies during the pandemic may have reduced the frequency of certain forms of GBS.
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21
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Corrêa DG, Hygino da Cruz LC, Freddi TDAL. The oculomotor nerve: Anatomy and Pathology. Semin Ultrasound CT MR 2022; 43:389-399. [DOI: 10.1053/j.sult.2022.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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22
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Taga A, Lauria G. COVID-19 and the Peripheral Nervous System. A 2-year review from the pandemic to the vaccine era. J Peripher Nerv Syst 2022; 27:4-30. [PMID: 35137496 PMCID: PMC9115278 DOI: 10.1111/jns.12482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Increasing literature has linked COVID‐19 to peripheral nervous system (PNS) diseases. In addition, as we move from the pandemic to the vaccination era, literature interest is shifting towards the potential association between COVID‐19 vaccines and PNS manifestations. We reviewed published literature on COVID‐19, COVID‐19 vaccines and PNS manifestations between 1 January 2020 and 1 December 2021. For Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS), isolated cranial neuropathy (ICN) and myositis associated with COVID‐19, the demographic, clinical, laboratory, electrophysiological and imaging features were included in a narrative synthesis. We identified 169 studies on COVID‐19‐associated complications, including 63 papers (92 patients) on GBS, 29 papers (37 patients) on ICN and 11 papers (18 patients) on myositis. Additional clinical phenotypes included chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, vasculitic neuropathies, neuralgic amyotrophy, critical care‐related complications, and myasthenia gravis. PNS complications secondary to COVID‐19 vaccines have been reported during randomized clinical trials, in real‐world case reports, and during large‐scale surveillance programs. These mainly include cases of GBS, Bell's palsy, and cases of neuralgic amyotrophy. Based on our extensive review of the literature, any conclusion about a pathophysiological correlation between COVID‐19 and PNS disorders remains premature, and solely supported by their temporal association, while epidemiological and pathological data are insufficient. The occurrence of PNS complications after COVID‐19 vaccines seems limited to a possible higher risk of facial nerve palsy and GBS, to a degree that widespread access to the ongoing vaccination campaign should not be discouraged, while awaiting for more definitive data from large‐scale surveillance studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arens Taga
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Giuseppe Lauria
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", Milan.,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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23
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Faulkner DL, Scott DS, Flint DNJ. Miller-Fisher syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2: a case report. Microbes Infect 2022; 24:104954. [PMID: 35240290 PMCID: PMC8882477 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2022.104954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infections are increasingly associated with neurological complications, including immune-mediated neuropathies. Miller–Fisher syndrome is a rare variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome characterised by the triad of ataxia, ophthalmoplegia and areflexia. Here we present a case of Miller–Fisher syndrome following COVID-19 infection. The clinical presentation was a short history of a rapidly-progressive peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy with bulbar dysfunction and facial weakness following mild COVID infection. Examination revealed global areflexia and a broad-based ataxic gait. CSF analysis revealed albuminocytological dissociation and neurophysiological testing later supported the diagnosis. The patient required high flow nasal oxygen therapy for respiratory dysfunction in a level 2 care setting and received immunological treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins. We conclude that Miller–Fisher syndrome needs to be considered in patients presenting with new sensorimotor dysfunction following SARS-COV-2 infection. Early recognition is key given the propensity to cause life-threatening respiratory failure, and early administration of immunological treatment is associated with improved prognosis.
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Abstract
Although coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is mainly a respiratory system disease, neurological complications due to peripheral and central nervous system involvement may be seen in these patients. In this case report, we described a patient with isolated abducens nerve palsy after COVID-19. The patient was a healthy 28-year-old man who developed isolated abducens nerve palsy 10 days after COVID-19. He had no systemic risk factors. He had 20 PD left esotropia (ET) at distance and 16 PD left ET at near in primary position and ET increasing to 25 PD in left gaze. He had left abduction deficiency. His cranio-orbital magnetic resonance imaging findings were normal. He was diagnosed as left isolated abducens nerve palsy and his findings were recovered after 2 months. COVID-19 may cause ocular motor nerve palsies. Although the pathological mechanism remains unclear, direct viral invasion, inflammatory and immune mechanisms may play role. Further case reports and studies are needed to support these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Huban Atilla
- School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara University, Ankara
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25
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Aladawi M, Elfil M, Abu-Esheh B, Abu Jazar D, Armouti A, Bayoumi A, Piccione E. Guillain Barre Syndrome as a Complication of COVID-19: A Systematic Review. Can J Neurol Sci 2022; 49:38-48. [PMID: 33949300 PMCID: PMC8267336 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2021.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In January 2020, the first case of Guillain Barre syndrome (GBS) due to COVID-19 was documented in China. GBS is known to be postinfectious following several types of infections. Although causality can only be proven through large epidemiological studies, we intended to study this association by a thorough review of the literature. METHODS We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Google scholar and included all papers with English or Spanish full text and original data of patients with GBS and recent COVID infection. Variables of interest were demographics, diagnostic investigations, and the latency between arboviral and neurological symptoms. Further variables were pooled to identify GBS clinical and electrophysiological variants, used treatments, and outcomes. The certainty of GBS diagnosis was verified using Brighton criteria. RESULTS We identified a total of 109 GBS cases. Ninety-nine cases had confirmed COVID-19 infection with an average age of 56.07 years. The average latency period between the arboviral symptoms and neurologic manifestations for confirmed COVID-19 cases was 12.2 d. The predominant GBS clinical and electromyography variants were the classical sensorimotor GBS and acute demyelinating polyneuropathy respectively. Forty cases required intensive care, 33 cases required mechanical ventilation, and 6 cases were complicated by death. CONCLUSIONS Studies on COVID-19-related GBS commonly reported sensorimotor demyelinating GBS with frequent facial palsy. The time between the onset of infectious and neurological symptoms suggests a postinfectious mechanism. Early diagnosis of GBS in COVID-19 patients is important as it might be associated with a severe disease course requiring intensive care and mechanical ventilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Aladawi
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Mohamed Elfil
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Baha Abu-Esheh
- Department of Neurology, Mercy Hospital, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Deaa Abu Jazar
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch – Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Ahmad Armouti
- Department of Neurology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Ahmed Bayoumi
- Department of Neurology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Ezequiel Piccione
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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26
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Biswas S, Ghosh R, Mandal A, Pandit A, Roy D, Sengupta S, De K, Swaika BC, Benito-León J. COVID-19 Induced Miller Fisher Syndrome Presenting With Autonomic Dysfunction: A Unique Case Report and Review of Literature. Neurohospitalist 2022; 12:111-116. [PMID: 34950397 PMCID: PMC8689536 DOI: 10.1177/19418744211016709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A plethora of neurological manifestations are associated with the 2019 coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19). We hereby report the first case of a patient infected with SARS-CoV-2 who acutely presented with autonomic dysfunction preceding the onset of complete clinical picture of Miller Fisher syndrome. She was finally diagnosed to be a case of anti-ganglioside antibody positive post-COVID-19 Miller Fisher syndrome with dysautonomia and treated with intravenous immunoglobulin with an excellent response. We also discuss the plausible pathogenic mechanisms of COVID-19 induced Miller Fisher syndrome and furnish a review of the post-COVID-19 Miller Fisher syndrome cases reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhrajyoti Biswas
- Department of General Medicine, Burdwan Medical College & Hospital, Burdwan, West Bengal, India
| | - Ritwik Ghosh
- Department of General Medicine, Burdwan Medical College & Hospital, Burdwan, West Bengal, India
| | - Arpan Mandal
- Department of General Medicine, Burdwan Medical College & Hospital, Burdwan, West Bengal, India
| | - Alak Pandit
- Department of Neuromedicine, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, India
| | - Dipayan Roy
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India,Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Samya Sengupta
- Department of General Medicine, Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Kaustav De
- Department of General Medicine, Burdwan Medical College & Hospital, Burdwan, West Bengal, India
| | - Bikash Chandra Swaika
- Department of General Medicine, Burdwan Medical College & Hospital, Burdwan, West Bengal, India
| | - Julián Benito-León
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital “12 de Octubre”, Madrid, Spain,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain,Department of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain,Julián Benito-León, Department of Neurology, University Hospital “12 de Octubre”, Avenida de Córdoba S/N, 28041 Madrid, Spain.
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Burd S, Lebedeva A, Avakyan G, Rubleva Y, Pantina N, Yurchenko A, Kovaleva I. COVID-19-associated damage of the peripheral nervous system. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2022; 122:15-21. [DOI: 10.17116/jnevro202212209115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Kubota T, Sugeno N, Sano H, Murakami K, Ikeda K, Misu T, Aoki M. The Immediate Onset of Isolated and Unilateral Abducens Nerve Palsy Associated with COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report and Literature Review. Intern Med 2022; 61:1761-1765. [PMID: 35650115 PMCID: PMC9259311 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.9308-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cranial nerve palsy associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is rare. We herein report the first Asian case of the immediate onset of isolated and unilateral abducens nerve palsy (ANP) accompanied with COVID-19 infection. A 25-year-old man developed diplopia one day after the COVID-19 symptom onset. Neurological examination revealed limitation of left eye abduction without ataxia and hyporeflexia. Negative anti-ganglioside antibody results and mild albuminocytological dissociation were noted. The patient was diagnosed with left ANP accompanied by COVID-19 infection. The ANP spontaneously recovered without treatment. ANP can develop during the early phase of COVID-19 infection and adversely affect patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Kubota
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Naoto Sugeno
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Hirohito Sano
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Koji Murakami
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Kensuke Ikeda
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Misu
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Masashi Aoki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
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Hameed S, Khan AF, Khan S. Electrodiagnostic findings in COVID-19 patients: A single center experience. Clin Neurophysiol 2021; 132:3019-3024. [PMID: 34717222 PMCID: PMC8513511 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neurological manifestations in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been reported from early features of anosmia and dysgeusia to widespread involvement of the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, as well as the neuromuscular junction and muscle. Our study objective is to evaluate the electromyography and nerve conduction study (EMG/NCS) findings among COVID-19 patients and look for possible correlations. METHODS This is a hospital-based retrospective observational study. All COVID-19 patients between the period of 1st January 2020 to 31st December 2020 undergoing an EMG/NCS were included. RESULTS Eighteen patients (12 male and 6 female) were included. Mean age was 55 ± 12 years. 11 patients required intubation for a mean period of 18.6 days (range: 3-37 days). Electrodiagnostic findings were consistent with a myopathy in a majority of these patients (82%). Five of them also had a concurrent axonal neuropathy. In the remaining patients who did not require intubation (n = 7), three patients had myopathic EMG changes and one had Guillain Barre syndrome. CONCLUSION At this time, there are no neuromuscular-specific recommendations for patients who contract COVID-19. Only time and additional data will unveil the varying nature and potential neurological sequelae of COVID-19. SIGNIFICANCE Myopathic EMG changes are commonly seen in critically ill COVID-19 patients, especially with a prolonged hospital stay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajid Hameed
- Department of Neurology, Aga Khan University, Pakistan.
| | | | - Sara Khan
- Department of Neurology, Aga Khan University, Pakistan.
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Lin TP, Ko CN, Zheng K, Lai KH, Wong RL, Lee A, Zhang S, Huang SS, Wan KH, Lam DS. COVID-19: Update on Its Ocular Involvements, and Complications From Its Treatments and Vaccinations. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2021; 10:521-529. [PMID: 34839344 PMCID: PMC8673850 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0000000000000453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) came under the attention of the international medical community when China first notified the World Health Organization of a pneumonia outbreak of then-unknown etiology in Wuhan in December 2019. Since then, COVID-19 caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has appalled the world by spreading at a pandemic speed. Although ophthalmologists do not directly engage in the clinical care of COVID-19 patients, the ophthalmology community has become aware of the close ties between its practice and the pandemic. Not only are ophthalmologists at heightened risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure due to their physical proximity with patients in routine ophthalmic examinations, but SARS-CoV-2 possesses ocular tropism resulting in ocular complications beyond the respiratory tract after viral exposure. Furthermore, patients could potentially suffer from adverse ocular effects in the therapeutic process. This review summarized the latest literature to cover the ophthalmic manifestations, effects of treatments, and vaccinations on the eye to aid the frontline clinicians in providing effective ophthalmic care to COVID-19 patients as the pandemic continues to evolve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy P.H. Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | - Ke Zheng
- C-MER (Beijing) Dennis Lam Eye Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kenny H.W. Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- C-MER International Eye Care Group, Hong Kong
| | - Raymond L.M. Wong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- C-MER International Eye Care Group, Hong Kong
| | - Allie Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | - Suber S. Huang
- Retina Center of Ohio, Cleveland, OH, US
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, FL, US
| | - Kelvin H. Wan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Dennis S.C. Lam
- C-MER International Eye Research Center of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), China
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31
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Li X, Wang Y, Wang H, Wang Y. SARS-CoV-2-associated Guillain-Barré syndrome is a para-infectious disease. QJM 2021; 114:625-635. [PMID: 34043803 PMCID: PMC8195029 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcab157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has been linked to the Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). The objective of the present study is to identify specific clinical features of cases of GBS reported in the literature associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. We searched Pubmed, and included single case reports and case series with full text in English, reporting original data of patients with GBS and a confirmed recent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Clinical data were extracted. We identified 28 articles (22 single case reports and 6 case series), reporting on a total of 44 GBS patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed through serum reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in 72.7% of cases. A total of 40 patients (91%) had symptoms compatible with SARS-CoV-2 infection before the onset of the GBS. The median period between the onset of symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptoms of the GBS was 11.2 days (range, 2-23). The most common clinical features were: leg weakness (61.4%), leg paresthesia (50%), arm weakness (50.4%), arm paresthesia (50.4%), hyporeflexia/areflexia (48%) and ataxia (22.7%). In total, 38.6% (n = 17) were found to have facial paralysis. Among 37 patients in whom nerve-conduction studies and electromyography were performed, of which 26 patients (59.1%) were consistent with the acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy subtype of the GBS. The present retrospective analysis support the role of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in the development of the GBS, may trigger GBS as para-infectious disease, and lead to SARS-CoV-2-associated GBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujun Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chifeng University, Chifeng 024005, PR China
- Corresponding author: Yumin Wang, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China. E-mail:
| | - Yanchao Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chifeng University, Chifeng 024005, PR China
| | - Hongquan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Yumin Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
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32
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Kubota T, Hasegawa T, Ikeda K, Aoki M. Case Report: Isolated, unilateral oculomotor palsy with anti-GQ1b antibody following COVID-19 vaccination. F1000Res 2021; 10:1142. [PMID: 35444796 PMCID: PMC8990240 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.74299.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurological complications following vaccinations are extremely rare, but cannot be eliminated. Here, we report the first case of unilateral oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) with anti-GQ1b antibody after receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 (BNT162b2) mRNA vaccine. A 65-year-old man developed diplopia and ptosis in the right eye 17 days after vaccination, without preceding infection. Neurological examination revealed mild blepharoptosis, limitation of adduction, and vertical gaze on the right side. Increased levels of anti-GQ1b ganglioside antibody in the serum and albuminocytologic dissociation in the cerebrospinal fluid were detected. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed swelling and enhancement of the right oculomotor nerve. The patient was diagnosed with right ONP accompanied with anti-GQ1b antibody, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy for 5 days was administered. The limitation of adduction and vertical gaze improved, and ptosis markedly resolved after IVIG treatment. Given the temporal sequence of disease progression, laboratory findings, and a favorable response to IVIG, a causal relationship cannot be ruled out between the occurrence of ONP and COVID-19 immunization. Since immunomodulatory treatments significantly hasten the recovery and minimize the residual symptoms in anti-GQ1b antibody syndrome, clinicians should be aware of this clinical condition following COVID-19 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Kubota
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Takafumi Hasegawa
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Kensuke Ikeda
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Masashi Aoki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
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Sklinda K, Dorobek M, Wasilewski PG, Dreżewski K, Dȩbicka M, Walecki J, Mruk B. Radiological Manifestation of Neurological Complications in the Course of SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Front Neurol 2021; 12:711026. [PMID: 34744963 PMCID: PMC8563625 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.711026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many reports suggest the SARS-CoV-2 infection may result in neurological complications. A wide spectrum of clinical syndromes have been reported, including both central and peripheral nervous system. Such symptoms may be a consequence of a direct viral injury, secondary to systemic inflammatory response, autoimmune processes, ischemic lesions or combination of these. Anosmia and dysgeusia are highly prevalent in the early stage of infection. Cerebrovascular events in patients with COVID-19 have also been documented with increasing frequency. Some cases of parainfectious autoimmune neurologic manifestations concurrent with active SARS-CoV-2 infection have been described, including hemorrhagic necrotizing encephalopathy, Guillain-Barré and Miller-Fisher syndromes. There are also a few reports documenting encephalitis and acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in the course of COVID-19. There is also a growing number of cases of patients after recovery from COVID-19 with psychosomatic disorders, manifesting with memory disfunction, cognitive functions disorders, depression or other affective disorders, which may lead to a decrease of intellectual functions. Many of these neurological manifestations of the infection are possible to distinguish using radiological imaging techniques. It plays a very important role in evaluating the course of COVID-19 as well as diagnosing respiratory complications and choosing a proper management of infected patients. Similarly, radiological techniques play crucial role in identifying the cause of neurological symptoms connected to SARS-CoV-2 infection, being one of the most important elements of diagnostics. Especially in case of the presence of nervous system implication, using radiological imaging techniques to monitor the emerging onset of various symptoms is crucial to assess the severity and scope of involvement. Quick diagnostic process and identifying complications as fast as possible in order to implement specific treatment can be crucial to avoid long-term secondary conditions and accelerate the recovery period. In this review, we present the most important neurological complications that may occur in the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection and summarize their radiological manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Sklinda
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Department of Radiology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Dorobek
- Department of Neurology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr G Wasilewski
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Department of Radiology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karol Dreżewski
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Department of Radiology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Dȩbicka
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Department of Radiology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy Walecki
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Department of Radiology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz Mruk
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Department of Radiology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior, Warsaw, Poland
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Salari M, Zaker Harofteh B, Etemadifar M, Sedaghat N, Nouri H. Movement Disorders Associated with COVID-19. PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2021; 2021:3227753. [PMID: 34790346 PMCID: PMC8592762 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3227753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
As neurological complications associated with COVID-19 keep unfolding, the number of cases with COVID-19-associated de novo movement disorders is rising. Although no clear pathomechanistic explanation is provided yet, the growing number of these cases is somewhat alarming. This review gathers information from 64 reports of de novo movement disorders developing after/during infection with SARS-CoV-2. Three new cases with myoclonus occurring shortly after a COVID-19 infection are also presented. Treatment resulted in partial to complete recovery in all three cases. Although the overall percentage of COVID-19 patients who develop movement disorders is marginal, explanations on a probable causal link have been suggested by numerous reports; most commonly involving immune-mediated and postinfectious and less frequently hypoxic-associated and ischemic-related pathways. The current body of evidence points myoclonus and ataxia out as the most frequent movement disorders occurring in COVID-19 patients. Some cases of tremor, chorea, and hypokinetic-rigid syndrome have also been observed in association with COVID-19. In particular, parkinsonism may be of dual concern in the setting of COVID-19; some have linked viral infections with Parkinson's disease (PD) based on results from cerebrospinal fluid analyses, and PD is speculated to impact the outcome of COVID-19 in patients negatively. In conclusion, the present paper reviewed the demographic, clinical, and treatment-associated information on de novo movement disorders in COVID-19 patients in detail; it also underlined the higher incidence of myoclonus and ataxia associated with COVID-19 than other movement disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehri Salari
- Department of Neurology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Masoud Etemadifar
- Alzahra Research Institute, Alzahra University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Nahad Sedaghat
- Alzahra Research Institute, Alzahra University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hosein Nouri
- Alzahra Research Institute, Alzahra University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Isfahan, Iran
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Haki C, Demirci H, Ayar Y, Demir C, Caliskan G. Neurological Symptoms and Diagnoses in Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19: Relationships With Mortality. Neurologist 2021; 26:237-243. [PMID: 34734900 PMCID: PMC8575100 DOI: 10.1097/nrl.0000000000000379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease that affects many organs, especially the lung, and may lead to multiorgan failure. Studies describing neurological dysfunctions involving the central and peripheral nervous systems have emerged. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the neurological signs and symptoms in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. METHODS The data of 290 patients admitted to our center (ward and intensive care unit) who received a diagnosis of COVID-19 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients' demographic, clinical and laboratory data, and their neurological diseases, symptoms, and complications were compared. RESULTS Male sex, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and having a history of neurological disease were associated with increased mortality in patients with COVID-19. Seizures and altered consciousness were also found to be more common in patients who died. In addition, lower platelet counts (P=0.001), higher C-reactive protein levels (P<0.001) and higher D-dimer levels (P=0.003) were associated with increased risk of mortality. CONCLUSIONS We believe that close monitoring of any possible neurological manifestations is mandatory in hospitalized patients at the onset of COVID-19 and during disease progression. Clinical findings such as neurological symptoms and acute phase reactants are important in the follow-up and treatment of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hakan Demirci
- the Department of Family Medicine, Bursa Yuksek Ihtisas Training and Research Hospital, Bursa, Turkey
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Podury S, Srivastava S, Khan E, Kakara M, Tandon M, Shrestha AK, Freeland K, Wen S, Sriwastava S. Relevance of CSF, Serum and Neuroimaging Markers in CNS and PNS Manifestation in COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Case Report and Case Series. Brain Sci 2021; 11:1354. [PMID: 34679418 PMCID: PMC8533964 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11101354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The data on neurological manifestations in COVID-19 patients has been rapidly increasing throughout the pandemic. However, data on CNS and PNS inflammatory disorders in COVID-19 with respect to CSF, serum and neuroimaging markers is still lacking. METHODS We screened all articles resulting from a search of PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus, using the keywords "SARS-CoV-2 and neurological complication", "SARS-CoV-2 and CNS Complication" and "SARS-CoV-2 and PNS Complication" looking for transverse myelitis, vasculitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, acute hemorrhagic necrotizing encephalitis (AHNE), cytotoxic lesion of the corpus callosum (CLOCC) and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), published between 1 December 2019 to 15 July 2021. RESULTS Of the included 106 CNS manifestations in our study, CNS inflammatory disorders included transverse myelitis (17, 14.7%), AHNE (12, 10.4%), ADEM (11, 9.5%), CLOCC/MERS (10, 8.6%) and vasculitis (4, 3.4%). Others were nonspecific encephalopathy, encephalitis, seizures and stroke. Most patients were >50 years old (75, 70.8%) and male (64, 65.3%). Most (59, 63.4%) were severe cases of COVID-19 and 18 (18%) patients died. Of the included 94 PNS manifestations in our study, GBS (89, 92.7%) was the most common. Most of these patients were >50 years old (73, 77.7%) and male (59, 64.1%). Most (62, 67.4%) were non-severe cases of COVID-19, and ten patients died. CONCLUSION Our comprehensive review of the clinical and paraclinical findings in CNS and PNS manifestations of COVID-19 provide insights on the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 and its neurotropism. The higher frequency and severity of CNS manifestations should be noted by physicians for increased vigilance in particular COVID-19 cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjiti Podury
- Army College of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110010, India;
| | | | - Erum Khan
- B.J. Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad 380016, India;
| | - Mihir Kakara
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Medha Tandon
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
| | | | - Kerri Freeland
- Department of Biostatistics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; (K.F.); (S.W.)
| | - Sijin Wen
- Department of Biostatistics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; (K.F.); (S.W.)
| | - Shitiz Sriwastava
- Department of Neurology, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
- West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
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Martins-Filho PR, Pereira de Andrade AL, Pereira de Andrade AJ, Moura da Silva MD, de Souza Araújo AA, Nunes PS, Santos VS, Ferreira LC, de Aquino Neves EL, Quintans-Júnior LJ. Miller Fisher Syndrome in Patients With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection: A Systematic Review. J Clin Neurol 2021; 17:541-545. [PMID: 34595862 PMCID: PMC8490896 DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2021.17.4.541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a subtype of Guillain-Barré syndrome characterized by the triad of ophthalmoparesis, areflexia, and ataxia. Although cases of MFS have been associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, no studies have synthesized the clinical characteristics of patients with this condition. METHODS In this rapid systematic review, we searched the PubMed database to identify studies on MFS associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS This review identified 11 cases, of whom 3 were hospitalized with motor and/or sensory polyneuropathy as the first sign of SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not detected in analyses of cerebrospinal fluid, suggesting a mechanism of immune-mediated injury rather than direct viral neurotropism. However, antiganglioside antibodies were found in only two of the nine patients tested. It is possible that target antigens other than gangliosides are involved in MFS associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. CONCLUSIONS The present patients exhibited clinical improvement after being treated with intravenous immunoglobulin. Although rare, patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection may present neurological symptoms suggestive of MFS. Early recognition of the MFS clinical triad is essential for the timely initiation of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Paula Santos Nunes
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Assays and Toxicity, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | - Victor Santana Santos
- Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Arapiraca, Brazil
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The Spectrum of Neuroimaging Findings on CT and MRI in Adults With COVID-19. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2021; 217:959-974. [DOI: 10.2214/ajr.20.24839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Since its outbreak in Wuhan, China in late 2019, coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic. The number of affected cases and deaths continues to rise. Primarily a respiratory illness, COVID-19 is now known to affect various organ systems including peripheral nerve and skeletal muscle. The purpose of this review is to discuss the scope of neuromuscular manifestations and complications of COVID-19. RECENT FINDINGS Several neuromuscular conditions, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, rhabdomyolysis, and myositis, have been reported in patients infected with COVID-19, but even with a temporal association, a causal relationship remains unproven. Direct invasion of neurons or myocytes by the virus, and immune-mediated injury have been speculated but not consistently demonstrated. In addition to potentially causing the above conditions, COVID-19 can trigger exacerbations of preexisting neuromuscular conditions such as myasthenia gravis, and severe infections can lead to critical illness myopathy/polyneuropathy. SUMMARY COVID-19 appears to be potentially associated with a wide range of neuromuscular manifestations and complications. Further studies are needed to examine these possible associations, understand the pathogenesis, and develop preventive and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joome Suh
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Goudarzi S, Esmaeeli S, Valencia JD, Lu ME, Hales RR, Fehnel CR, Conley CM, Quraishi SA, Nozari A. Treatment Options for COVID-19-Related Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Literature. Neurologist 2021; 26:196-224. [PMID: 34491938 PMCID: PMC8423032 DOI: 10.1097/nrl.0000000000000342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Central nervous system complications are reported in an increasing number of patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19-related Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is of particular importance given its association with higher mortality rates and prolonged respiratory failure. REVIEW SUMMARY We conducted a systematic review of published cases for COVID-19-related GBS, and provide a summary of clinical management strategies for these cases. Sixty-three studies, including 86 patients, were included. Seventy-six cases with reported outcome data were eligible for the outcome analysis. Ninety-nine percent of patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 before diagnosis of GBS (median: 14 d prior, interquartile range: 7 to 20). Intravenous immunotherapy (intravenous immunoglobulin: 0.4 g/kg/d for 5 d) was the most frequently used treatment approach. The review indicated that the outcome was not favorable in 26% of cases (persistent neurological deficits). A mortality rate of 3.5% was observed in patients with COVID-19-related GBS. CONCLUSIONS Although evidence to support specific treatments is lacking, clinicians should consider the benefits of immunotherapy and plasma exchange in addition to the standard antimicrobial and supportive therapies for patients who meet the diagnostic criteria for acute sensory and motor polyradiculoneuritis. Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment alone is not shown to result in improved outcomes or mortality. More extensive studies aimed at exploring the neurological manifestations and complications of COVID-19 and distinctive treatment options for COVID-19-related GBS are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shooka Esmaeeli
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine
- Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine
| | | | - Maegan E. Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine
| | - Riley R. Hales
- Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine
| | - Corey R. Fehnel
- Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School
| | - Christopher M. Conley
- Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine
| | - Sadeq A. Quraishi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Ala Nozari
- Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine
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Raciti L, Calabrò RS. Neurological complications of COVID-19: from pathophysiology to rehabilitation. An overview. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2021; 92:e2021317. [PMID: 34487099 PMCID: PMC8477084 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v92i4.10620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate how the SARS-COV2 is able to affect the nervous system, the main neurological manifestation, and the treatment used, including neurorehabilitation. METHODS Studies performed during the current year that fulfilled inclusion criteria were selected from PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Sciences databases. The search combined the terms "Covid 19," "rehabilitation/treatment," and "neurological complications." RESULTS The exact route by which SARS-CoV-2 can penetrate the CNS is still unknown, although a possible retrograde transynaptic pathway from peripheral nerve endings, and/or through the olfactory bulb, have been suggested. An early management of COVID-19 by a multiprofessional team is fundamental to avoid long term sequaele. Rehabilitation is recommended to improve respiratory and cardiac function, as well as to avoid long term neurological complications. CONCLUSIONS As no specific conclusions in term of prognosis and treatment could be done, research and consensus paper are needed to provide NeuroCovid patients with the best treatment options, including neurorehabilitation.
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Finsterer J. SARS-CoV-2 associated Miller-Fisher syndrome or polyneuritis cranialis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:46082-46084. [PMID: 34117541 PMCID: PMC8195227 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14797-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Josef Finsterer
- Klinik Landstrasse, Messerli Institute, Postfach 20, Vienna, Austria.
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43
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Huth SF, Cho SM, Robba C, Highton D, Battaglini D, Bellapart J, Suen JY, Li Bassi G, Taccone FS, Arora RC, Whitman G, Fraser JF, Fanning JP. Neurological Manifestations of Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Comprehensive Review and Meta-Analysis of the First 6 Months of Pandemic Reporting. Front Neurol 2021; 12:664599. [PMID: 34456840 PMCID: PMC8387564 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.664599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There is growing evidence that SARS-Cov-2 infection is associated with severe neurological complications. Understanding the nature and prevalence of these neurologic manifestations is essential for identifying higher-risk patients and projecting demand for ongoing resource utilisation. This review and meta-analysis report the neurologic manifestations identified in hospitalised COVID-19 patients and provide a preliminary estimate of disease prevalence. Methods: MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus were searched for studies reporting the occurrence of neurological complications in hospitalised COVID-19 patients. Results: A total of 2,207 unique entries were identified and screened, among which 14 cohort studies and 53 case reports were included, reporting on a total of 8,577 patients. Central nervous system manifestations included ischemic stroke (n = 226), delirium (n = 79), intracranial haemorrhage (ICH, n = 57), meningoencephalitis (n = 13), seizures (n = 3), and acute demyelinating encephalitis (n = 2). Peripheral nervous system manifestations included Guillain-Barrè Syndrome (n = 21) and other peripheral neuropathies (n = 3). The pooled period prevalence of ischemic stroke from identified studies was 1.3% [95%CI: 0.9–1.8%, 102/7,715] in all hospitalised COVID-19 patients, and 2.8% [95%CI: 1.0–4.6%, 9/318] among COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU. The pooled prevalence of ICH was estimated at 0.4% [95%CI: 0–0.8%, 6/1,006]. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic exerts a substantial neurologic burden which may have residual effects on patients and healthcare systems for years. Low quality evidence impedes the ability to accurately predict the magnitude of this burden. Robust studies with standardised screening and case definitions are required to improve understanding of this disease and optimise treatment of individuals at higher risk for neurologic sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel F Huth
- Critical Care Research Group, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sung-Min Cho
- Neuroscience Critical Care Division, Departments of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Chiara Robba
- San Martino Policlinico Hospital, IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - David Highton
- Critical Care Research Group, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Princess Alexandra Hospital Southside Clinical Unit, Division of Surgery, Department of Anesthesia, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Denise Battaglini
- San Martino Policlinico Hospital, IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judith Bellapart
- Critical Care Research Group, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Intensive Care Services, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jacky Y Suen
- Critical Care Research Group, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gianluigi Li Bassi
- Critical Care Research Group, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Biomedical Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi I Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Rakesh C Arora
- Cardiac Sciences Program, St. Boniface General Hospital Research Center, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Section of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Glenn Whitman
- Neuroscience Critical Care Division, Departments of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - John F Fraser
- Critical Care Research Group, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Biomedical Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Intensive Care Services, St. Andrew's War Memorial Hospital, UnitingCare, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jonathon P Fanning
- Critical Care Research Group, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Intensive Care Services, St. Andrew's War Memorial Hospital, UnitingCare, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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44
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Gogu AE, Motoc AG, Stroe AZ, Docu Axelerad A, Docu Axelerad D, Pârv F, Munteanu G, Dan F, Jianu DC. Clinical Spectrum and Neuroimagistic Features in Hospitalized Patients with Neurological Disorders and Concomitant Coronavirus-19 Infection. Brain Sci 2021; 11:1138. [PMID: 34573160 PMCID: PMC8466125 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11091138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, several research studies focused on understanding the damage to the respiratory and circulatory systems. However, the evidence of neurological manifestations as part of the clinical spectrum of the disease has increased. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the potential association of neurological disorders with concomitant COVID-19 infection. We reviewed 101 patients (mean age, 70.05 years; 62.37% men) diagnosed with different neurological disorders and COVID-19 who were referred to the Department of Neurology between March 2020 and May 2021. The protocol included demographic, clinical, and neuroimagistic features, biochemical evaluation data, and prognosis. In the first group of patients with non-severe COVID-19 infection (<50% lung damage), we enrolled 75 cases (mean age, 69.13 years; 65.33% men), and the second group, with 26 patients (mean age, 72.69 years; 53.84% men), developed severe COVID-19 infection (>50% lung damage). Severe COVID-19 infection was significantly correlated with an increased highly sensitive C-reactive protein level (hsCRP) (p < 0.05), lactate dehydrogenase level (LDH) (p < 0.05), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (p < 0.05), D-dimer (p < 0.05), fibrinogen level (p < 0.05), and blood glucose (p < 0.05) when compared to the first group. These biochemical parameters were increased in both groups, but the levels were much higher in the second group. Headaches (72.27%) and dizziness (14.85%) were present in the early stage of infection. Cerebrovascular events were also reported: ischemic stroke (48% vs. 57.69%; p < 0.05), cerebral hemorrhage (4.95%), and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (1.98%). Encephalitis (1.98%) and Guillain-Barré Syndrome (1.98%) were found but less frequently. Cranial nerve abnormalities were statistically more common in the non-severe group: anosmia (32% vs. 26.92%; p < 0.05), dysgeusia/ageusia (48% vs. 42.30%; p < 0.05), impaired eye movement (1.33% vs. 0%), and facial nerve palsy (2.66% vs. 0%). Seizures (13.33% vs. 11.53%; p < 0.05) and a depressed level of consciousness (31.68%) occurred commonly. We detected the neuropsychiatric symptoms of anxiety (23.76%) and depression (14.85%). Mortality was increased in both groups but was much higher in the second group (46.15% vs. 21.33%). Neurological complications during COVID-19 infection are common in hospitalized patients, but the mechanism of these complications is not fully understood, representing a continuous challenge for neurologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Elena Gogu
- Department of Neurology, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (A.E.G.); (G.M.); (F.D.); (D.C.J.)
- Centre for Cognitive Research in Neuropsychiatric Pathology (NeuroPsy-Cog), “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Andrei Gheorghe Motoc
- Centre for Cognitive Research in Neuropsychiatric Pathology (NeuroPsy-Cog), “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Alina Zorina Stroe
- Department of Neurology, General Medicine Faculty, “Ovidius” University, 900470 Constanta, Romania;
| | - Any Docu Axelerad
- Department of Neurology, General Medicine Faculty, “Ovidius” University, 900470 Constanta, Romania;
| | | | - Florina Pârv
- Department of Cardiology, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Georgiana Munteanu
- Department of Neurology, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (A.E.G.); (G.M.); (F.D.); (D.C.J.)
- Centre for Cognitive Research in Neuropsychiatric Pathology (NeuroPsy-Cog), “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Flavius Dan
- Department of Neurology, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (A.E.G.); (G.M.); (F.D.); (D.C.J.)
- Centre for Cognitive Research in Neuropsychiatric Pathology (NeuroPsy-Cog), “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Dragos Catalin Jianu
- Department of Neurology, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (A.E.G.); (G.M.); (F.D.); (D.C.J.)
- Centre for Cognitive Research in Neuropsychiatric Pathology (NeuroPsy-Cog), “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
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Karami Fath M, Jahangiri A, Ganji M, Sefid F, Payandeh Z, Hashemi ZS, Pourzardosht N, Hessami A, Mard-Soltani M, Zakeri A, Rahbar MR, Khalili S. SARS-CoV-2 Proteome Harbors Peptides Which Are Able to Trigger Autoimmunity Responses: Implications for Infection, Vaccination, and Population Coverage. Front Immunol 2021; 12:705772. [PMID: 34447375 PMCID: PMC8383889 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.705772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases (ADs) could occur due to infectious diseases and vaccination programs. Since millions of people are expected to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 and vaccinated against it, autoimmune consequences seem inevitable. Therefore, we have investigated the whole proteome of the SARS-CoV-2 for its ability to trigger ADs. In this regard, the entire proteome of the SARS-CoV-2 was chopped into more than 48000 peptides. The produced peptides were searched against the entire human proteome to find shared peptides with similar experimentally confirmed T-cell and B-cell epitopes. The obtained peptides were checked for their ability to bind to HLA molecules. The possible population coverage was calculated for the most potent peptides. The obtained results indicated that the SARS-CoV-2 and human proteomes share 23 peptides originated from ORF1ab polyprotein, nonstructural protein NS7a, Surface glycoprotein, and Envelope protein of SARS-CoV-2. Among these peptides, 21 peptides had experimentally confirmed equivalent epitopes. Amongst, only nine peptides were predicted to bind to HLAs with known global allele frequency data, and three peptides were able to bind to experimentally confirmed HLAs of equivalent epitopes. Given the HLAs which have already been reported to be associated with ADs, the ESGLKTIL, RYPANSIV, NVAITRAK, and RRARSVAS were determined to be the most harmful peptides of the SARS-CoV-2 proteome. It would be expected that the COVID-19 pandemic and the vaccination against this pathogen could significantly increase the ADs incidences, especially in populations harboring HLA-B*08:01, HLA-A*024:02, HLA-A*11:01 and HLA-B*27:05. The Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania are at higher risk of AD development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Karami Fath
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Jahangiri
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Ganji
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sefid
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Zahra Payandeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Sadat Hashemi
- Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Pourzardosht
- Biochemistry Department, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Anahita Hessami
- School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maysam Mard-Soltani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
| | - Alireza Zakeri
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Rahbar
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saeed Khalili
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran
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46
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Sullivan BN, Fischer T. Age-Associated Neurological Complications of COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:653694. [PMID: 34408638 PMCID: PMC8366271 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.653694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of the novel and highly infectious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in hundreds of millions of infections and millions of deaths globally. Infected individuals that progress to coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) experience upper and lower respiratory complications that range in severity and may lead to wide-spread inflammation and generalized hypoxia or hypoxemia that impacts multiple organ systems, including the central and peripheral nervous systems. Since the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, multiple reports continue to emerge that detail neurological symptoms, ranging from relatively mild (e.g., impaired taste and/or smell) to severe (e.g., stroke), suggesting SARS-CoV-2 may be neurotropic and/or contribute to nervous system injury through direct and/or indirect mechanisms. To gain insight into the types of neurological complications associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and their possible relationship with age, sex, COVID-19 severity, and comorbidities, we performed a systematic review of case reports and series published in 2020 - April 4, 2021 of infected patients with neurological manifestations. Meta-analyses were conducted using individual patient data from reports where these data could be extracted. Here, we report neurological injury occurs across the lifespan in the context of infection, with and without known comorbidities, and with all disease severities, including asymptomatic patients. Older individuals, however, are more susceptible to developing life-threatening COVID-19 and cerebrovascular disease (CVD), such as stroke. A mild but inverse correlation with age was seen with CNS inflammatory diseases, such as encephalitis, as well as taste and/or smell disorders. When reported, increased age was also associated with comorbid cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and lipid disorders, but not with obesity. Obesity did correlate with development of critical COVID-19. Discussion into potential pathophysiological mechanisms by which neurological symptoms arise and long-term consequences of infection to the nervous system is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianne N. Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Neuroscience Program, Tulane Brain Institute, School of Science and Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Tracy Fischer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, United States
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
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Tran C, Drury B, Yuen HW, Rosenthal J, Neeki MM. Miller-Fisher Syndrome Presenting as Facial Diplegia With COVID-19 Co-Infection. Cureus 2021; 13:e17060. [PMID: 34522538 PMCID: PMC8428322 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.17060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has reportedly been associated with various neurological manifestations, including unilateral facial palsy and, very rarely, facial diplegia. We present a unique case of Miller-Fisher Syndrome (MFS), a variant of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) that was noted in conjunction with a COVID-19 infection. In this case, a patient presented with bilateral facial palsy, dysarthria, right-sided hemiparesis, ataxia, and the confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 infection. His computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain and serology test results did not support alternate etiologies for facial palsy. His cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies demonstrated albuminocytologic dissociation, which was consistent with the diagnosis of MFS and further supported by his ataxia and ophthalmoplegia. A five-day course of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy combined with physical, occupational, and speech therapy improved his recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuong Tran
- Emergency Medicine, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Colton, USA
| | - Blake Drury
- Emergency Medicine, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Colton, USA
| | - Ho-Wang Yuen
- Emergency Medicine, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Colton, USA
| | | | - Michael M Neeki
- Emergency Medicine, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Colton, USA
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48
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Pyne JD, Brickman AM. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Dementia Risk: Potential Pathways to Cognitive Decline. NEURODEGENER DIS 2021; 21:1-23. [PMID: 34348321 PMCID: PMC8678181 DOI: 10.1159/000518581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the far-reaching pandemic, has infected approximately 185 million of the world's population to date. After infection, certain groups, including older adults, men, and people of color, are more likely to have adverse medical outcomes. COVID-19 can affect multiple organ systems, even among asymptomatic/mild severity individuals, with progressively worse damage for those with higher severity infections. SUMMARY The COVID-19 virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), primarily attaches to cells through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, a universal receptor present in most major organ systems. As SARS-CoV-2 binds to the ACE2 receptor, its bioavailability becomes limited, thus disrupting homeostatic organ function and inducing an injury cascade. Organ damage can then arise from multiple sources including direct cellular infection, overactive detrimental systemic immune response, and ischemia/hypoxia through thromboembolisms or disruption of perfusion. In the brain, SARS-CoV-2 has neuroinvasive and neurotropic characteristics with acute and chronic neurovirulent potential. In the cardiovascular system, COVID-19 can induce myocardial and systemic vascular damage along with thrombosis. Other organ systems such as the lungs, kidney, and liver are all at risk for infection damage. Key Messages: Our hypothesis is that each injury consequence has the independent potential to contribute to long-term cognitive deficits with the possibility of progressing to or worsening pre-existing dementia. Already, reports from recovered COVID-19 patients indicate that cognitive alterations and long-term symptoms are prevalent. This critical review highlights the injury pathways possible through SARS-CoV-2 infection that have the potential to increase and contribute to cognitive impairment and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D. Pyne
- Department of Neurology, Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Adam M. Brickman
- Department of Neurology, Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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49
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New-Onset Movement Disorders Associated with COVID-19. Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y) 2021; 11:26. [PMID: 34277139 PMCID: PMC8269765 DOI: 10.5334/tohm.595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Movement disorders are increasingly described in hospitalized and milder cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection, despite a very low prevalence compared to the total patients. Methods We reviewed the scientific literature published in English, spanning from the initial descriptions of COVID-19 until January 25, 2021, in the PubMed/MEDLINE database. Results We identified 93 new-onset movement disorders cases (44 articles) from 200 papers screened in the database or reference lists. Myoclonus was present in 63.4% (n = 59), ataxia in 38.7% (n = 36), action/postural tremor in 10.8% (n = 10), rigid-akinetic syndrome in 5.38% (n = 5), oculomotor abnormalities in 20.4% (n = 19), catatonia in 2.1% (n = 2), dystonia in 1.1% (n = 1), chorea in 1.1% (n = 1), functional (psychogenic) movement disorders in 3.2% (n = 3) of the reported COVID-19 cases with any movement disorder. Encephalopathy was a common association (n = 37, 39.78%). Discussion Comprehensive neurophysiological, clinical, and neuroimaging descriptions of movement disorders in the setting of SARS-CoV-2 infection are still lacking, and their pathophysiology may be related to inflammatory, postinfectious, or even indirect mechanisms not specific to SARS-CoV-2, such as ischemic-hypoxic brain insults, drug effects, sepsis, kidney failure. Cortical/subcortical myoclonus, which the cited secondary mechanisms can largely cause, seems to be the most common hyperkinetic abnormal movement, and it might occur in association with encephalopathy and ataxia. Conclusion This brief review contributes to the clinical description of SARS-CoV-2 potential neurological manifestations, assisting clinical neurologists in identifying features of these uncommon syndromes as a part of COVID-19 symptomatology. Highlights - Movement disorders are probably uncommon neurological manifestations in SARS-CoV-2 infection;- Myoclonus is the most reported movement disorder associated with COVID-19, its clinical complications or pharmacological management;- The pathophysiology is yet not well-understood but can include systemic inflammation, autoimmune mechanisms, or hypoxia.
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50
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Garg RK, Paliwal VK, Malhotra HS, Sharma PK. Neuroimaging Patterns in Patients with COVID-19-Associated Neurological Complications: A Review. Neurol India 2021; 69:260-271. [PMID: 33904434 DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.314531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background A variety of neuroimaging abnormalities in COVID-19 have been described. Objectives In this article, we reviewed the varied neuroimaging patterns in patients with COVID-19-associated neurological complications. Methods We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus and preprint databases (medRxiv and bioRxiv). The search terms we used were "COVID -19 and encephalitis, encephalopathy, neuroimaging or neuroradiology" and "SARS-CoV-2 and encephalitis, encephalopathy, neuroimaging or neuroradiology". Results Neuroimaging abnormalities are common in old age and patients with comorbidities. Neuroimaging abnormalities are largely vascular in origin. COVID-19-associated coagulopathy results in large vessel occlusion and cerebral venous thrombosis. COVID-19-associated intracerebral hemorrhage resembles anticoagulant associated intracerebral hemorrhage. On neuroimaging, hypoxic-ischemic damage along with hyperimmune reaction against the SARS-COV-2 virus manifests as small vessel disease. Small vessel disease appears as diffuse leukoencephalopathy and widespread microbleeds, and subcortical white matter hyperintensities. Occasionally, gray matter hyperintensity, similar to those observed seen in autoimmune encephalitis, has been noted. In many cases, white matter lesions similar to that in acute disseminated encephalomyelitis have been described. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in COVID-19 seems to be a parainfectious event and autoimmune in origin. Many cases of acute necrotizing encephalitis resulting in extensive damage to thalamus and brain stem have been described; cytokine storm has been considered a pathogenic mechanism behind this. None of the neuroimaging abnormalities can provide a clue to the possible pathogenic mechanism. Conclusions Periventricular white-matter MR hyperintensity, microbleeds, arterial and venous infarcts, and hemorrhages are apparently distinctive neuroimaging abnormalities in patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravindra K Garg
- Department of Neurology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vimal K Paliwal
- Department of Neurology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rae Bareli Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Hardeep S Malhotra
- Department of Neurology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Praveen K Sharma
- Department of Neurology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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