1
|
Bunting N, Martynoga R, Crayton H, Pandita A. Recovery from acute haemorrhagic leucoencephalitis secondary to COVID-19. BMJ Case Rep 2024; 17:e256640. [PMID: 39122379 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-256640] [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] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A man in his 50s presented with sudden onset expressive aphasia and right-sided facial droop after experiencing coryzal symptoms and malaise for 7 days prior to admission. A brain MRI showed a rapidly progressive mass effect across both hemispheres and cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed neutrophil predominance with raised protein levels. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis was provisionally diagnosed, and high-dose methylprednisone was initiated.On admission to the high dependency unit, the patient tested positive for COVID-19 and was treated with appropriate therapeutic agents for severe COVID-19. A subsequent brain biopsy confirmed a demyelinating process, strongly indicating a diagnosis of acute haemorrhagic leucoencephalitis when correlated with the presence of severe oedema on imaging. Nine sessions of plasma exchange were provided over 18 days.At the time of writing, the patient has made an excellent recovery. We urge clinicians to consider this diagnosis and these treatment options for an otherwise devastating condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Bunting
- Coffs Harbour Base Hospital, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Henry Crayton
- Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kuzmina US, Tukhvatullin AV, Lyutov OV, Talipova ID, Zakirova EN, Rakhmatullin AR, Kutlubaev MA, Bakhtiyarova KZ. [A case of COVID-associated encephalopathy in a patient with multiple sclerosis]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2024; 124:159-163. [PMID: 38676691 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2024124041159] [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] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
A case of acute encephalopathy manifested with impaired consciousness, hemichorrhea, speech and cognitive impairment in a female patient with COVID-19 and multiple sclerosis is presented. In the literature, there are isolated reports of such a combination of diseases, and therefore difficulties arise in carrying out differential diagnosis and prescribing therapy. Given the limited knowledge about the long-term consequences of COVID-19, systematic analysis of such cases and follow-up of such patients is necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- U Sh Kuzmina
- Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, Russia
- Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics - Subdivision of the Ufa Federal Research Center, Ufa, Russia
| | - A V Tukhvatullin
- Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics - Subdivision of the Ufa Federal Research Center, Ufa, Russia
| | - O V Lyutov
- Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, Russia
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jeican II, Gheban D, Mariș A, Albu S, Aluaș M, Siserman CV, Gheban BA. Flurona: The First Autopsied Case. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1616. [PMID: 37763736 PMCID: PMC10537609 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59091616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19-associated coinfections increase the patient's risk of developing a severe form of the disease and, consequently, the risk of death. The term "flurona" was proposed to describe the coinfection of the influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2. This report is about a case of a 7-month-old female infant who died due to flurona coinfection. A histopathological exam showed activation of microglia (becoming CD45 positive), bronchial inflammation, diffuse alveolar damage in proliferative phase with vasculitis, a peribronchial infiltrate that was predominantly CD20-positive, and a vascular wall infiltrate that was predominantly CD3-positive. The aggressiveness of the two respiratory viruses added up and they caused extensive lung inflammation, which led to respiratory failure, multiple organ failure, and death. Tissues injuries caused by both the influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 could be observed, without the ability to certify the dominance of the aggression of one of the two viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ionuț Isaia Jeican
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Dan Gheban
- Department of Pathology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Pathology, Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, 400370 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alexandra Mariș
- Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, 400370 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Silviu Albu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Otorhinolaryngology, University Clinical Hospital of Railway Company, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Maria Aluaș
- Department of Oral Health, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Costel Vasile Siserman
- Institute of Legal Medicine, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Legal Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Bogdan Alexandru Gheban
- Department of Histology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Pathology, Emergency Clinical County Hospital, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chang S, Schecht M, Jain R, Belani P. Acute Neurological Complications of Coronavirus Disease. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 2023; 33:57-68. [PMID: 36404047 PMCID: PMC9288970 DOI: 10.1016/j.nic.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted many lives globally. Neurologic manifestations have been observed among individuals at various stages and severity of the disease, the most common being stroke. Prompt identification of these neurologic diagnoses can affect patient management and prognosis. This article discusses the acute neuroradiological features typical of COVID-19, including cerebrovascular disease, intracerebral hemorrhage, leukoencephalopathy, and sensory neuropathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanders Chang
- Department of Diagnostic, Molecular and Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1176 5th Avenue MC Level, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Michael Schecht
- Department of Diagnostic, Molecular and Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1176 5th Avenue MC Level, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Rajan Jain
- Department of Radiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 660 1st Avenue, 1st Floor, New York, NY 10016, USA,Department of Neurosurgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 660 1st Avenue, 1st Floor, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Puneet Belani
- Department of Diagnostic, Molecular and Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1176 5th Avenue MC Level, New York, NY 10029, USA,Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1176 5th Avenue MC Level, New York, NY 10029, USA,Corresponding author. 1176 5th Avenue MC Level, New York, NY 10029
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Findings in COVID-19 Associated Encephalitis. Neurol Int 2023; 15:55-68. [PMID: 36648969 PMCID: PMC9844334 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint15010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
We conducted this study to investigate the scope of the MRI neuroimaging manifestations in COVID-19-associated encephalitis. From January 2020 to September 2021, patients with clinical diagnosis of COVID-19-associated encephalitis, as well as concomitant abnormal imaging findings on brain MRI, were included. Two board-certified neuro-radiologists reviewed these selected brain MR images, and further discerned the abnormal imaging findings. 39 patients with the clinical diagnosis of encephalitis as well as abnormal MRI findings were included. Most (87%) of these patients were managed in ICU, and 79% had to be intubated-ventilated. 15 (38%) patients died from the disease, while the rest were discharged from the hospital. On MRI, FLAIR hyperintensities in the insular cortex were the most common finding, seen in 38% of the patients. Micro-hemorrhages on the SWI images were equally common, also seen in 38% patients. FLAIR hyperintensities in the medial temporal lobes were seen in 30%, while FLAIR hyperintensities in the posterior fossa were evident in 20%. FLAIR hyperintensities in basal ganglia and thalami were seen in 15%. Confluent FLAIR hyperintensities in deep and periventricular white matter, not explained by microvascular angiopathy, were detected in 7% of cases. Cortical-based FLAIR hyperintensities in 7%, and FLAIR hyperintensity in the splenium of the corpus callosum in 7% of patients. Finally, isolated FLAIR hyperintensity around the third ventricle was noted in 2% of patients.
Collapse
|
6
|
Yepes M. Neurological Complications of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 Vaccines: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Manifestations. Curr Drug Targets 2022; 23:1620-1638. [PMID: 36121081 DOI: 10.2174/1389450123666220919123029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), that reached pandemic proportions in 2020. Despite the fact that it was initially characterized by pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome, it is now clear that the nervous system is also compromised in one third of these patients. Indeed, a significant proportion of COVID-19 patients suffer nervous system damage via a plethora of mechanisms including hypoxia, coagulopathy, immune response to the virus, and the direct effect of SARS-CoV-2 on endothelial cells, neurons, astrocytes, pericytes and microglia. Additionally, a low number of previously healthy individuals develop a variety of neurological complications after receiving COVID-19 vaccines and a large proportion of COVID-19 survivors experience longlasting neuropsychiatric symptoms. In conclusion, COVID-19 is also a neurological disease, and the direct and indirect effects of the virus on the nervous system have a significant impact on the morbidity and mortality of these patients. Here we will use the concept of the neurovascular unit, assembled by endothelial cells, basement membrane, perivascular astrocytes, neurons and microglia, to review the effects of SARS-CoV-2 in the nervous system. We will then use this information to review data published to this date on the neurological manifestations of COVID-19, the post- COVID syndrome and COVID-19 vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Yepes
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Neurology & Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Spanos M, Shachar S, Sweeney T, Lehmann HI, Gokulnath P, Li G, Sigal GB, Nagaraj R, Bathala P, Rana F, Shah RV, Routenberg DA, Das S. Elevation of neural injury markers in patients with neurologic sequelae after hospitalization for SARS-CoV-2 infection. iScience 2022; 25:104833. [PMID: 35937088 PMCID: PMC9341164 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) risk developing long-term neurologic symptoms after infection. Here, we identify biomarkers associated with neurologic sequelae one year after hospitalization for SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2-positive patients were followed using post-SARS-CoV-2 online questionnaires and virtual visits. Hospitalized adults from the pre-SARS-CoV-2 era served as historical controls. 40% of hospitalized patients develop neurological sequelae in the year after recovery from acute COVID-19 infection. Age, disease severity, and COVID-19 infection itself was associated with additional risk for neurological sequelae in our cohorts. Glial fibrillary astrocytic protein (GFAP) and neurofilament light chain (NF-L) were significantly elevated in SARS-CoV-2 infection. After adjusting for age, sex, and disease severity, GFAP and NF-L remained significantly associated with longer term neurological symptoms in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. GFAP and NF-L warrant exploration as biomarkers for long-term neurologic complications after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michail Spanos
- Cardiovascular Research Center, 185 Cambridge Street, Simches 3 Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sigal Shachar
- Meso Scale Diagnostics, LLC. (MSD), Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Thadryan Sweeney
- Cardiovascular Research Center, 185 Cambridge Street, Simches 3 Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - H. Immo Lehmann
- Cardiovascular Research Center, 185 Cambridge Street, Simches 3 Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Priyanka Gokulnath
- Cardiovascular Research Center, 185 Cambridge Street, Simches 3 Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Guoping Li
- Cardiovascular Research Center, 185 Cambridge Street, Simches 3 Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Farhan Rana
- Cardiovascular Research Center, 185 Cambridge Street, Simches 3 Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ravi V. Shah
- Cardiovascular Research Center, 185 Cambridge Street, Simches 3 Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Saumya Das
- Cardiovascular Research Center, 185 Cambridge Street, Simches 3 Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ariño H, Heartshorne R, Michael BD, Nicholson TR, Vincent A, Pollak TA, Vogrig A. Neuroimmune disorders in COVID-19. J Neurol 2022; 269:2827-2839. [PMID: 35353232 PMCID: PMC9120100 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11050-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the aetiologic agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is now rapidly disseminating throughout the world with 147,443,848 cases reported so far. Around 30-80% of cases (depending on COVID-19 severity) are reported to have neurological manifestations including anosmia, stroke, and encephalopathy. In addition, some patients have recognised autoimmune neurological disorders, including both central (limbic and brainstem encephalitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis [ADEM], and myelitis) and peripheral diseases (Guillain-Barré and Miller Fisher syndrome). We systematically describe data from 133 reported series on the Neurology and Neuropsychiatry of COVID-19 blog ( https://blogs.bmj.com/jnnp/2020/05/01/the-neurology-and-neuropsychiatry-of-covid-19/ ) providing a comprehensive overview concerning the diagnosis, and treatment of patients with neurological immune-mediated complications of SARS-CoV-2. In most cases the latency to neurological disorder was highly variable and the immunological or other mechanisms involved were unclear. Despite specific neuronal or ganglioside antibodies only being identified in 10, many had apparent responses to immunotherapies. Although the proportion of patients experiencing immune-mediated neurological disorders is small, the total number is likely to be underestimated. The early recognition and improvement seen with use of immunomodulatory treatment, even in those without identified autoantibodies, makes delayed or missed diagnoses risk the potential for long-term disability, including the emerging challenge of post-acute COVID-19 sequelae (PACS). Finally, potential issues regarding the use of immunotherapies in patients with pre-existent neuro-immunological disorders are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helena Ariño
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rosie Heartshorne
- Department of Neurology, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Benedict D Michael
- Department of Neurology, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
- The National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit for Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Clinical Infection Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary, and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Timothy R Nicholson
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Angela Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Thomas A Pollak
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Alberto Vogrig
- Centre de Référence National pour les Syndromes Neurologiques Paranéoplasique, Hôpital Neurologique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Clinical Neurology Unit, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale, Presidio Ospedaliero Santa Maria Della Misericordia, Udine, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Koupaei M, Shadab Mehr N, Mohamadi MH, Asadi A, Abbasimoghaddam S, Shekartabar A, Heidary M, Shokri F. Clinical symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of COVID-19-associated encephalitis: A systematic review of case reports and case series. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24426. [PMID: 35435264 PMCID: PMC9102669 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Since COVID‐19 outbreak, various studies mentioned the occurrence of neurological disorders. Of these, encephalitis is known as a critical neurological complication in COVID‐19 patients. Numerous case reports and case series have found encephalitis in relation to COVID‐19, which have not been systematically reviewed. This study aims to evaluate the clinical symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of COVID‐19‐associated encephalitis. Methods We used the Pubmed/Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases to search for reports on COVID‐19‐associated encephalitis from January 1, 2019, to March 7, 2021. The irrelevant studies were excluded based on screening and further evaluation. Then, the information relating diagnosis, treatment, clinical manifestations, comorbidities, and outcome was extracted and evaluated. Results From 4455 initial studies, 45 articles met our criteria and were selected for further evaluation. Included publications reported an overall number of 53 COVID‐19‐related encephalitis cases. MRI showed hyperintensity of brain regions including white matter (44.68%), temporal lobe (17.02%), and thalamus (12.76%). Also, brain CT scan revealed the hypodensity of the white matter (17.14%) and cerebral hemorrhages/hemorrhagic foci (11.42%) as the most frequent findings. The IV methylprednisolone/oral prednisone (36.11%), IV immunoglobulin (27.77%), and acyclovir (16.66%) were more preferred for COVID‐19 patients with encephalitis. From the 46 patients, 13 (28.26%) patients were died in the hospital. Conclusion In this systematic review, characteristics of COVID‐19‐associated encephalitis including clinical symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome were described. COVID‐19‐associated encephalitis can accompany with other neurological symptoms and involve different brain. Although majority of encephalitis condition are reversible, but it can lead to life‐threatening status. Therefore, further investigation of COVID‐19‐associated encephalitis is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Koupaei
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Shadab Mehr
- Student Research Committee, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | | | - Arezoo Asadi
- Microbial Biotechnology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Mohsen Heidary
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran.,Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Fazlollah Shokri
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sharma R, Nalleballe K, Shah V, Haldal S, Spradley T, Hasan L, Mylavarapu K, Vyas K, Kumar M, Onteddu S, Gokden M, Kapoor N. Spectrum of Hemorrhagic Encephalitis in COVID-19 Patients: A Case Series and Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:924. [PMID: 35453972 PMCID: PMC9032293 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12040924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an ongoing pandemic that has affected over 400 million people worldwide and caused nearly 6 million deaths. Hemorrhagic encephalitis is an uncommon but serious complication of COVID-19. The etiology of this disease is multifactorial, including secondary to severe hypoxemia, systemic inflammation, direct viral invasion, hypercoagulability, etc. The clinical spectrum of COVID-19-related hemorrhagic encephalitis is also varied, ranging from leukoencephalopathy with microhemorrhage, acute necrotizing hemorrhagic encephalitis (ANHE) involving the cortex, basal ganglia, rarely brain stem and cervical spine, hemorrhagic posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) to superimposed co-infection with other organisms. We report a case series of three young patients with different presentations of hemorrhagic encephalitis after COVID-19 infection and a review of the literature. One patient had self-limiting ANHE in the setting of mild COVID-19 systemic illness. The second patient had self-limiting leukoencephalopathy with microhemorrhages in the setting of severe systemic diseases and ARDS, and clinically improved with the resolution of systemic illness. Both patients were healthy and did not have any premorbid conditions. The third patient with poorly controlled diabetes and hypertension had severe systemic illness with neurological involvement including multiple ischemic strokes, basal meningitis, hemorrhagic encephalitis with pathological evidence of cerebral mucormycosis, and Epstein-Barr virus coinfection, and improved after antifungal therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Sharma
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (R.S.); (K.N.); (S.H.); (S.O.)
| | - Krishna Nalleballe
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (R.S.); (K.N.); (S.H.); (S.O.)
| | - Vishank Shah
- Department of Neurology, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Shilpa Haldal
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (R.S.); (K.N.); (S.H.); (S.O.)
| | - Thomas Spradley
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (T.S.); (L.H.)
| | - Lana Hasan
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (T.S.); (L.H.)
| | | | - Keyur Vyas
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA;
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Department of Radiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA;
| | - Sanjeeva Onteddu
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (R.S.); (K.N.); (S.H.); (S.O.)
| | - Murat Gokden
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA;
| | - Nidhi Kapoor
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (R.S.); (K.N.); (S.H.); (S.O.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Autoimmune Encephalitis in COVID-19 Infection: Our Experience and Systematic Review of the Literature. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040774. [PMID: 35453524 PMCID: PMC9024859 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurologic complications of COVID-19 infection are frequent in hospitalized patients; a high percentage of them present neurologic manifestations at some point during the course of their disease. Headache, muscle pain, encephalopathy and dizziness are among the most common complications. Encephalitis is an inflammatory condition with many etiologies. There are several forms of encephalitis associated with antibodies against intracellular neuronal proteins, cell surfaces or synaptic proteins, referred to as autoimmune encephalitis. Several case reports published in the literature document autoimmune encephalitis cases triggered by COVID-19 infection. Our paper first presents our experience in this issue and then systematically reviews the literature on autoimmune encephalitis that developed in the background of SARS-CoV-2 infections and also discusses the possible pathophysiological mechanisms of auto-immune-mediated damage to the nervous system. This review contributes to improve the management and prognosis of COVID-19-related autoimmune encephalitis.
Collapse
|
12
|
COVID-19-Associated Encephalopathy—Case Series and Clinical Considerations. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11040981. [PMID: 35207253 PMCID: PMC8874868 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11040981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological manifestations of the SARS-CoV-2 infection are present in up to 80% of the affected patients. While the majority of them is benign, in certain patients, viral replication in the central nervous system results in a severe disruption in cognitive function as well as basic life functions. In this case series, the authors present a detailed description of the three SARS-CoV-2 infection cases, which were all complicated by severe encephalopathy. Consecutive neurological status changes were described for each patient with detailed imaging and clinical sequelae. In the discussion, the authors highlight similarities in the course of the disease in presented patients, as well as common features in test results. An effective causal treatment could not be introduced in any of the patients, nor could the progression of the central nervous system (CNS) damage be stopped. The authors hope that the experiences they gathered will help to accelerate the diagnostic and therapeutic process in other patients with COVID-19-associated encephalopathy and can result in introducing an effective treatment.
Collapse
|
13
|
Damiano RF, Guedes BF, de Rocca CC, de Pádua Serafim A, Castro LHM, Munhoz CD, Nitrini R, Filho GB, Miguel EC, Lucchetti G, Forlenza O. Cognitive decline following acute viral infections: literature review and projections for post-COVID-19. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2022; 272:139-154. [PMID: 34173049 PMCID: PMC8231753 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-021-01286-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Recently, much attention has been drawn to the importance of the impact of infectious disease on human cognition. Several theories have been proposed, to explain the cognitive decline following an infection as well as to understand better the pathogenesis of human dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease. This article aims to review the state of the art regarding the knowledge about the impact of acute viral infections on human cognition, laying a foundation to explore the possible cognitive decline followed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To reach this goal, we conducted a narrative review systematizing six acute viral infections as well as the current knowledge about COVID-19 and its impact on human cognition. Recent findings suggest probable short- and long-term COVID-19 impacts in cognition, even in asymptomatic individuals, which could be accounted for by direct and indirect pathways to brain dysfunction. Understanding this scenario might help clinicians and health leaders to deal better with a wave of neuropsychiatric issues that may arise following COVID-19 pandemic as well as with other acute viral infections, to alleviate the cognitive sequelae of these infections around the world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Furlan Damiano
- Departamento E Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Dr. Ovídio Pires de Campos, 785, Cerqueira César, São Paulo, SP, 05403-903, Brazil.
| | - Bruno F. Guedes
- Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristiana Castanho de Rocca
- Departamento E Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Dr. Ovídio Pires de Campos, 785, Cerqueira César, São Paulo, SP 05403-903 Brazil
| | - Antonio de Pádua Serafim
- Departamento E Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Dr. Ovídio Pires de Campos, 785, Cerqueira César, São Paulo, SP 05403-903 Brazil
| | | | - Carolina Demarchi Munhoz
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Nitrini
- Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Geraldo Busatto Filho
- Departamento E Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Dr. Ovídio Pires de Campos, 785, Cerqueira César, São Paulo, SP 05403-903 Brazil
| | - Eurípedes Constantino Miguel
- Departamento E Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Dr. Ovídio Pires de Campos, 785, Cerqueira César, São Paulo, SP 05403-903 Brazil
| | - Giancarlo Lucchetti
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Orestes Forlenza
- Departamento E Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Dr. Ovídio Pires de Campos, 785, Cerqueira César, São Paulo, SP 05403-903 Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Urso L, Distefano MG, Cambula G, Colomba AI, Nuzzo D, Picone P, Giacomazza D, Sicurella L. The case of encephalitis in a COVID-19 pediatric patient. Neurol Sci 2022; 43:105-112. [PMID: 34668122 PMCID: PMC8525855 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05670-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic, induced by the worldwide spreading of the SARS-CoV-2, is well known for its clinical picture consistent with respiratory symptoms. If pulmonary complications are the most common manifestation of the disease, neurological problems are also significantly present, with complications including acute cerebrovascular events, encephalitis, Guillain-Barré and Miller Fisher syndromes, acute necrotizing hemorrhagic encephalopathy and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. These medical signs can be considered direct effects of the virus on the nervous system, para-infectious or post-infectious immune-mediated diseases, and neurological complications of the systemic effects of the SARS-CoV-2. CASE In the present article, the encephalitis case in a 5-year-old girl positive for COVID-19 admitted to the emergency department complaining of fever and swelling in the neck is described. At this time, her neurological examination was unremarkable. Over the next few days, the fever went down and she experienced acute behavioral changes, mild confusion, and drowsiness. The brain MRI and electroencephalography (EEG) showed CNS involvement, suggestive of encephalitis. CONCLUSION The dramatic improvement of the symptoms after immunotherapy with corticosteroids reinforced the hypothesis of an immune-related mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Urso
- Dipartimento di Neurologia P.O. S. Antonio Abate, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale di Trapani, Trapani, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Distefano
- Dipartimento di Neurologia P.O. S. Antonio Abate, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale di Trapani, Trapani, Italy
| | - Gaetano Cambula
- Unità Operativa Complessa Radiologia P.O.S. Antonio Abate, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale di Trapani, Trapani, Italy
| | - Angela Irene Colomba
- Dipartimento di Neurologia P.O. S. Antonio Abate, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale di Trapani, Trapani, Italy
| | - Domenico Nuzzo
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per la Ricerca e l’Innovazione Biomedica (CNR-IRIB), Palermo, Italy
- Dipartimento of Scienze Biologiche, Chimiche, Farmaceutiche e Tecnologiche (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Pasquale Picone
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per la Ricerca e l’Innovazione Biomedica (CNR-IRIB), Palermo, Italy
- Dipartimento of Scienze Biologiche, Chimiche, Farmaceutiche e Tecnologiche (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Giacomazza
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biofisica (CNR-IBF), Palermo, Italy
| | - Luigi Sicurella
- Dipartimento di Neurologia P.O. S. Antonio Abate, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale di Trapani, Trapani, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Khandelwal K, Puranik M, Gupta V, Khandelwal G, Dave PK, Hirve M. COVID-19 associated acute demyelination masquerading as stroke: a case report. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE 2021. [PMCID: PMC7815968 DOI: 10.1186/s43055-021-00410-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background During the recent outbreak of COVID-19, various atypical extrapulmonary manifestations are being seen, including neurological ones. Reported cases mainly include encephalopathy, myelitis, and cranial nerve involvement. This case describes uncommon neuroradiological finding in the context of COVID-19. Case presentation We report an atypical case of COVID-19 presenting with stroke-like episode, with MRI brain showing isolated bilateral posterior internal capsule involvement. This has rarely been reported in literature. Conclusion As the numbers of COVID-19 cases are increasing, such atypical presentations should be kept in mind.
Collapse
|
16
|
Du Y, Zhao W, Du L, Liu J. Neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with the COVID-19 and its potential nervous system infection mechanism: the role of imaging in the study. PSYCHORADIOLOGY 2021; 1:199-211. [PMID: 38666221 PMCID: PMC10917188 DOI: 10.1093/psyrad/kkab019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has broken the normal spread mode of respiratory viruses, namely, mainly spread in winter, resulting in over 230 million confirmed cases of COVID-19. Many studies have shown that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) can affect the nervous system by varying degrees. In this review, we look at the acute neuropsychiatric impacts of COVID-19 patients, including acute ischemic stroke, encephalitis, acute necrotizing encephalopathy, dysosmia, and epilepsy, as well as the long-term neuropsychiatric sequelae of COVID-19 survivors: mental disorder and neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, this review discusses long-term changes in brain structure and function associated with COVID-19 infection. We believe that the traditional imaging sequences are important in the acute phase, while the nontraditional imaging sequences are more meaningful for the detection of long-term neuropsychiatric sequelae. These long-term follow-up changes in structure and function may also help us understand the causes of neuropsychiatric symptoms in COVID-19 survivors. Finally, we review previous studies and discuss some potential mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the nervous system. Continuous focus on neuropsychiatric sequelae and a comprehensive understanding of the long-term impacts of the virus to the nervous system is significant for formulating effective sequelae prevention and management strategies, and may provide important clues for nervous system damage in future public health crises.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanyao Du
- Department of Radiology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China
- Clinical Research Center for Medical Imaging in Hunan Province, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Lei Du
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati 45255, OH, USA
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Radiology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China
- Clinical Research Center for Medical Imaging in Hunan Province, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
- Department of Radiology Quality Control Center, Hunan Province, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Siow I, Lee KS, Zhang JJY, Saffari SE, Ng A. Encephalitis as a neurological complication of COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis of incidence, outcomes, and predictors. Eur J Neurol 2021; 28:3491-3502. [PMID: 33982853 PMCID: PMC8239820 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Although COVID-19 predominantly affects the respiratory system, recent studies have reported the occurrence of neurological disorders such as stroke in relation to COVID-19 infection. Encephalitis is an inflammatory condition of the brain that has been described as a severe neurological complication of COVID-19. Despite a growing number of reported cases, encephalitis related to COVID-19 infection has not been adequately characterised. To address this gap, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to describe the incidence, clinical course, and outcomes of patients who suffer from encephalitis as a complication of COVID-19. METHODS All studies published between 1 November 2019 and 24 October 2020 that reported on patients who developed encephalitis as a complication of COVID-19 were included. Only cases with radiological and/or biochemical evidence of encephalitis were included. RESULTS In this study, 610 studies were screened and 23 studies reporting findings from 129,008 patients, including 138 with encephalitis, were included. The average time from diagnosis of COVID-19 to onset of encephalitis was 14.5 days (range = 10.8-18.2 days). The average incidence of encephalitis as a complication of COVID-19 was 0.215% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.056%-0.441%). The average mortality rate of encephalitis in COVID-19 patients was 13.4% (95% CI = 3.8%-25.9%). These patients also had deranged clinical parameters, including raised serum inflammatory markers and cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis. CONCLUSIONS Although encephalitis is an uncommon complication of COVID-19, when present, it results in significant morbidity and mortality. Severely ill COVID-19 patients are at higher risk of suffering from encephalitis as a complication of the infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Siow
- Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Keng Siang Lee
- Bristol Medical SchoolFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - John J. Y. Zhang
- Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | | | - Adeline Ng
- Department of NeurologyNational Neuroscience InstituteSingaporeSingapore
- Neuroscience and Behavioural DisordersDuke‐NUSSingaporeSingapore
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Lewis A, Jain R, Frontera J, Placantonakis DG, Galetta S, Balcer L, Melmed KR. COVID-19 associated brain/spinal cord lesions and leptomeningeal enhancement: A meta-analysis of the relationship to CSF SARS-CoV-2. J Neuroimaging 2021; 31:826-848. [PMID: 34105198 PMCID: PMC8242764 DOI: 10.1111/jon.12880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We reviewed the literature to evaluate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) results from patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who had neurological symptoms and had an MRI that showed (1) central nervous system (CNS) hyperintense lesions not attributed to ischemia and/or (2) leptomeningeal enhancement. We sought to determine if these findings were associated with a positive CSF severe acute respiratory syndrome associated coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) polymerase chain reaction (PCR). METHODS We performed a systematic review of Medline and Embase from December 1, 2019 to November 18, 2020. CSF results were evaluated based on the presence/absence of (1) ≥ 1 CNS hyperintense lesion and (2) leptomeningeal enhancement. RESULTS In 117 publications, we identified 193 patients with COVID-19 who had an MRI of the CNS and CSF testing. There were 125 (65%) patients with CNS hyperintense lesions. Patients with CNS hyperintense lesions were significantly more likely to have a positive CSF SARS-CoV-2 PCR (10% [9/87] vs. 0% [0/43], p = 0.029). Of 75 patients who had a contrast MRI, there were 20 (27%) patients who had leptomeningeal enhancement. Patients with leptomeningeal enhancement were significantly more likely to have a positive CSF SARS-CoV-2 PCR (25% [4/16] vs. 5% [2/42], p = 0.024). CONCLUSION The presence of CNS hyperintense lesions or leptomeningeal enhancement on neuroimaging from patients with COVID-19 is associated with increased likelihood of a positive CSF SARS-CoV-2 PCR. However, a positive CSF SARS-CoV-2 PCR is uncommon in patients with these neuroimaging findings, suggesting they are often related to other etiologies, such as inflammation, hypoxia, or ischemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Lewis
- Department of NeurologyNYU Langone Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of NeurosurgeryNYU Langone Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Rajan Jain
- Department of NeurosurgeryNYU Langone Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of RadiologyNYU Langone Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Jennifer Frontera
- Department of NeurologyNYU Langone Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of NeurosurgeryNYU Langone Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Steven Galetta
- Department of NeurologyNYU Langone Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of OphthalmologyNYU Langone Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Laura Balcer
- Department of NeurologyNYU Langone Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of OphthalmologyNYU Langone Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of Population HealthNYU Langone Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Kara R. Melmed
- Department of NeurologyNYU Langone Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of NeurosurgeryNYU Langone Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abd Ur Rehman M, Abdulrahman AF, Zainab A, Paksoy Y, Kharma N. Hyponatremia and extrapontine myelinolysis in a patient with COVID-19: A case report. Clin Case Rep 2021; 9:e04463. [PMID: 34267918 PMCID: PMC8271216 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.4463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Until we have strong evidence to the contrary, symptomatic hyponatremia should be treated with extra caution in COVID-19 co-infection patients as the latter could be another risk factor for the development of extrapontine myelinolysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aariz Zainab
- Radiology DepartmentHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Yahya Paksoy
- Radiology DepartmentHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Nadir Kharma
- Critical Care MedicineHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Emerging COVID-19 Neurological Manifestations: Present Outlook and Potential Neurological Challenges in COVID-19 Pandemic. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:4694-4715. [PMID: 34169443 PMCID: PMC8224263 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02450-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The unremitting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) marked a year-long phase of public health adversaries and has severely compromised healthcare globally. Early evidence of COVID-19 noted its impact on the pulmonary and cardiovascular functions, while multiple studies in recent time shed light on its substantial neurological complications, though a comprehensive understanding of the cause(s), the mechanism(s), and their neuropathological outcomes is scarce. In the present review, we conferred evidence of neurological complications in COVID-19 patients and shed light on the SARS-CoV-2 infection routes including the hematogenous, direct/neuronal, lymphatic tissue or cerebrospinal fluid, or infiltration through infected immune cells, while the underlying mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 invasion to the central nervous system (CNS) was also discussed. In an up-to-date manner, we further reviewed the impact of COVID-19 in developing diverse neurologic manifestations associated with CNS, peripheral nervous system (PNS), skeletal muscle, and also pre-existing neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and myasthenia gravis. Furthermore, we discussed the involvement of key factors including age, sex, comorbidity, and disease severity in exacerbating the neurologic manifestations in COVID-19 patients. An outlook of present therapeutic strategies and state of existing challenges in COVID-19 management was also accessed. Conclusively, the present report provides a comprehensive review of COVID-19-related neurological complications and emphasizes the need for their early clinical management in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
|
21
|
Carroll E, Melmed KR, Frontera J, Placantonakis DG, Galetta S, Balcer L, Lewis A. Cerebrospinal fluid findings in patients with seizure in the setting of COVID-19: A review of the literature. Seizure 2021; 89:99-106. [PMID: 34044299 PMCID: PMC8127527 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We reviewed the literature on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies in patients who had a seizure in the setting of COVID-19 infection to evaluate for evidence of viral neuroinvasion. We performed a systematic review of Medline and Embase to identify publications that reported one or more patients with COVID-19 who had a seizure and had CSF testing preformed. The search ranged from December 1st 2019 to November 18th 2020. We identified 56 publications which described 69 unique patients who met our inclusion criteria. Of the 54 patients whose past medical history was provided, 2 (4%) had epilepsy and 1 (2%) had a prior seizure in the setting of hyperglycemia, but the remaining 51 (94%) had no history of seizures. Seizure was the initial symptom of COVID-19 for 15 (22%) patients. There were 26 (40%) patients who developed status epilepticus. SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing was performed in the CSF for 45 patients; 6 (13%) had a positive CSF SARS-CoV-2 PCR, only 1 (17%) of whom had status epilepticus. The cycle thresholds were not reported. Evaluation for CSF SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (directly or indirectly, via testing for CSF oligoclonal bands or immunoglobulins) was performed in 26 patients, only 2 (8%) of whom had evidence of intrathecal antibody synthesis. Of the 11 patients who had CSF autoimmune antibody panels tested, 1 had NMDA antibodies and 1 had Caspr-2 antibodies. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the CSF of patients with seizures who have COVID-19 is uncommon. Our review suggests that seizures in this patient population are not likely due to direct viral invasion of the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Carroll
- Department of Neurology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Kara R Melmed
- Department of Neurology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer Frontera
- Department of Neurology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Steven Galetta
- Department of Neurology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura Balcer
- Department of Neurology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Population Health, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ariane Lewis
- Department of Neurology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Toeback J, Depoortere SD, Vermassen J, Vereecke EL, Van Driessche V, Hemelsoet DM. Microbleed patterns in critical illness and COVID-19. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2021; 203:106594. [PMID: 33735661 PMCID: PMC7939996 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2021.106594] [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: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral microbleeds are increasingly reported in critical ill patients with respiratory failure in need of mechanical ventilation and/or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Typically, these critical illness-associated microbleeds involve the juxtacortical white matter and corpus callosum. Recently, this pattern was reported in patients with respiratory failure, suffering from COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective single-center study, we listed patients from March 11, 2020 to September 2, 2020, with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, critical illness and cerebral microbleeds. Literature research was conducted through a methodical search on Pubmed databases on critical illness-associated microbleeds and cerebral microbleeds described in patients with COVID-19. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION On 279 COVID-19 admissions, two cases of cerebral microbleeds were detected in critical ill patients with respiratory failure due to COVID-19. Based on review of existing literature critical illness-associated microbleeds tend to predominate in subcortical white matter and corpus callosum. Cerebral microbleeds in patients with COVID-19 tend to follow similar patterns as reported in critical illness-associated microbleeds. Hence, one patient with typical critical illness-associated microbleeds and COVID-19 is reported. However, a new pattern of widespread cortico-juxtacortical microbleeds, predominantly in the anterior vascular territory with relative sparing of deep gray matter, corpus callosum and infratentorial structures is documented in a second case. The possible etiologies of these microbleeds include hypoxia, hemorrhagic diathesis, brain endothelial erythrophagocytosis and/or cytokinopathies. An association with COVID-19 remains to be determined. CONCLUSION Further systematic investigation of microbleed patterns in patients with neurological impairment and COVID-19 is necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Toeback
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Neurology, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
| | - Sofie Dr Depoortere
- University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joris Vermassen
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Intensive Care, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Elke Lh Vereecke
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Radiology, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Veroniek Van Driessche
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Radiology, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Dimitri M Hemelsoet
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Neurology, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Vellieux G, Sonneville R, Vledouts S, Jaquet P, Rouvel-Tallec A, d’Ortho MP. COVID-19-Associated Neurological Manifestations: An Emerging Electroencephalographic Literature. Front Physiol 2021; 11:622466. [PMID: 33679425 PMCID: PMC7933549 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.622466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread worldwide since the end of year 2019 and is currently responsive for coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19). The first reports considered COVID-19 as a respiratory tract disease responsible for pneumonia, but numerous studies rapidly emerged to warn the medical community of COVID-19-associated neurological manifestations, including encephalopathy at the acute phase and other postinfectious manifestations. Using standard visual analysis or spectral analysis, recent studies reported electroencephalographic (EEG) findings of COVID-19 patients with various neurological symptoms. Most EEG recordings were normal or revealed non-specific abnormalities, such as focal or generalized slowing, interictal epileptic figures, seizures, or status epilepticus. Interestingly, novel EEG abnormalities over frontal areas were also described at the acute phase. Underlying mechanisms leading to brain injury in COVID-19 are still unknown and matters of debate. These frontal EEG abnormalities could emphasize the hypothesis whereby SARS-CoV-2 enters the central nervous system (CNS) through olfactory structures and then spreads in CNS via frontal lobes. This hypothesis is reinforced by the presence of anosmia in a significant proportion of COVID-19 patients and by neuroimaging studies confirming orbitofrontal abnormalities. COVID-19 represents a new viral disease characterized by not only respiratory symptoms but also a systemic invasion associated with extra-respiratory signs. Neurological symptoms must be the focus of our attention, and functional brain evaluation with EEG is crucial, in combination with anatomical and functional brain imaging, to better understand its pathophysiology. Evolution of symptoms together with EEG patterns at the distance of the acute episode should also be scrutinized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geoffroy Vellieux
- Université de Paris, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, Paris, France
- Neurophysiologie clinique, Service de Physiologie – Explorations Fonctionnelles, AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France
| | - Romain Sonneville
- Médecine Intensive-Réanimation, AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, UMR 1148, LVTS, Paris, France
| | - Sérafima Vledouts
- Université de Paris, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, Paris, France
- Neurophysiologie clinique, Service de Physiologie – Explorations Fonctionnelles, AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Jaquet
- Médecine Intensive-Réanimation, AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, UMR 1148, LVTS, Paris, France
| | - Anny Rouvel-Tallec
- Université de Paris, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, Paris, France
- Neurophysiologie clinique, Service de Physiologie – Explorations Fonctionnelles, AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Pia d’Ortho
- Université de Paris, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, Paris, France
- Neurophysiologie clinique, Service de Physiologie – Explorations Fonctionnelles, AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lewis A, Frontera J, Placantonakis DG, Lighter J, Galetta S, Balcer L, Melmed KR. Cerebrospinal fluid in COVID-19: A systematic review of the literature. J Neurol Sci 2021; 421:117316. [PMID: 33561753 PMCID: PMC7833669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.117316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to review the literature on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing in patients with COVID-19 for evidence of viral neuroinvasion by SARS-CoV-2. METHODS We performed a systematic review of Medline and Embase between December 1, 2019 and November 18, 2020 to identify case reports or series of patients who had COVID-19 diagnosed based on positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or serologic testing and had CSF testing due to a neurologic symptom. RESULTS We identified 242 relevant documents which included 430 patients with COVID-19 who had acute neurological symptoms prompting CSF testing. Of those, 321 (75%) patients had symptoms that localized to the central nervous system (CNS). Of 304 patients whose CSF was tested for SARS-CoV-2 PCR, there were 17 (6%) whose test was positive, all of whom had symptoms that localized to the central nervous system (CNS). The majority (13/17, 76%) of these patients were admitted to the hospital because of neurological symptoms. Of 58 patients whose CSF was tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibody, 7 (12%) had positive antibodies with evidence of intrathecal synthesis, all of whom had symptoms that localized to the CNS. Of 132 patients who had oligoclonal bands evaluated, 3 (2%) had evidence of intrathecal antibody synthesis. Of 77 patients tested for autoimmune antibodies in the CSF, 4 (5%) had positive findings. CONCLUSION Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in CSF via PCR or evaluation for intrathecal antibody synthesis appears to be rare. Most neurological complications associated with SARS- CoV-2 are unlikely to be related to direct viral neuroinvasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Lewis
- Department of Neurology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Jennifer Frontera
- Department of Neurology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | | | - Jennifer Lighter
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Steven Galetta
- Department of Neurology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Laura Balcer
- Department of Neurology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Population Health, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Kara R Melmed
- Department of Neurology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Gunawardhana C, Nanayakkara G, Gamage D, Withanage I, Bandara M, Siriwimala C, Senaratne N, Chang T. Delayed presentation of postinfectious encephalitis associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a case report. Neurol Sci 2021; 42:3527-3530. [PMID: 34138387 PMCID: PMC8209772 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05395-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 are increasingly being recognised and can arise as a result of direct viral invasion, para-infectious or postinfectious immune mechanisms. We report a delayed presentation of COVID-19 postinfectious immune-mediated encephalitis and status epilepticus occurring in a 47-year-old woman 4 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 pulmonary disease. SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in her cerebrospinal fluid with features of encephalitis evident in both magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and electroencephalogram. She made a complete recovery following treatment with high-dose intravenous corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulins. Diagnosis of COVID-19 postinfectious encephalitis may prove challenging in patients presenting many weeks following the initial infection. A high index of clinical suspicion and testing intrathecal SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies are key to its diagnosis. Early immunotherapy is likely to result in a good outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Thashi Chang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, 25, Kynsey Road, Colombo, 00800 Sri Lanka
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Achar A, Ghosh C. COVID-19-Associated Neurological Disorders: The Potential Route of CNS Invasion and Blood-Brain Relevance. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112360. [PMID: 33120941 PMCID: PMC7692725 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel human coronavirus that has sparked a global pandemic of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). The virus invades human cells through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor-driven pathway, primarily targeting the human respiratory tract. However, emerging reports of neurological manifestations demonstrate the neuroinvasive potential of SARS-CoV-2. This review highlights the possible routes by which SARS-CoV-2 may invade the central nervous system (CNS) and provides insight into recent case reports of COVID-19-associated neurological disorders, namely ischaemic stroke, encephalitis, encephalopathy, epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammatory-mediated neurological disorders. We hypothesize that SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion, neuroinflammation, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction may be implicated in the development of the observed disorders; however, further research is critical to understand the detailed mechanisms and pathway of infectivity behind CNS pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aneesha Achar
- Cerebrovascular Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA;
| | - Chaitali Ghosh
- Cerebrovascular Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA;
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-216-445-0559
| |
Collapse
|