1
|
Karami S, Khalaj F, Sotoudeh H, Tajabadi Z, Shahidi R, Habibi MA, Sattari MS, Azimi A, Forouzannia SA, Rafiei R, Reihani H, Nemati R, Teimori S, Khalaji A, Sarmadi V, Dadjou A. Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy in Adult Patients With COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Case Series. J Clin Neurol 2023; 19:597-611. [PMID: 37455513 PMCID: PMC10622717 DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2022.0431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) is a rare neurological disorder that is often associated with viral infections. Since the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a few COVID-19-associated ANE cases have been reported. Since very little is known about ANE, the present study aimed to determine the clinical, biochemical, and radiological characteristics of affected patients. METHODS A search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases for articles published up to August 30, 2022 using relevant keywords. Case reports and series in the English language that reported ANE in adult patients with COVID-19 confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were included in this study. Data on the demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics of patients were extracted and analyzed using the SPSS software (version 26). RESULTS The study included 30 patients (18 males) with COVID-19 and ANE who were aged 49.87±18.68 years (mean±standard deviation). Fever was the most-prevalent symptom at presentation (66.7%). Elevated C-reactive protein was observed in the laboratory assessments of 13 patients. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were the most-common radiological modalities used for brain assessments. The most commonly prescribed medications were methylprednisolone (30%) and remdesivir (26.7%). Sixteen patients died prior to discharge. CONCLUSIONS The diagnosis of COVID-19-associated ANE requires a thorough knowledge of the disease. Since the clinical presentations of ANE are neither sensitive nor specific, further laboratory and brain radiological evaluations will be needed to confirm the diagnosis. The suspicion of ANE should be raised among patients with COVID-19 who present with progressive neurological symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaghayegh Karami
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fattaneh Khalaj
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Houman Sotoudeh
- Department of Radiology and Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Zohreh Tajabadi
- Digestive Disease Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramin Shahidi
- School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Amin Habibi
- Clinical Research Development Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | | | - Amir Azimi
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Forouzannia
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Romina Rafiei
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Reihani
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Nemati
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Soraya Teimori
- Young Researchers and Elites Club, Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Yazd Branch, Iran
| | | | - Vida Sarmadi
- School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ali Dadjou
- School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rothstein TL. Cortical Grey matter volume depletion links to neurological sequelae in post COVID-19 "long haulers". BMC Neurol 2023; 23:22. [PMID: 36647063 PMCID: PMC9843113 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03049-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) has been associated with neurological sequelae even in those patients with mild respiratory symptoms. Patients experiencing cognitive symptoms such as "brain fog" and other neurologic sequelae for 8 or more weeks define "long haulers". There is limited information regarding damage to grey matter (GM) structures occurring in COVID-19 "long haulers". Advanced imaging techniques can quantify brain volume depletions related to COVID-19 infection which is important as conventional Brain MRI often fails to identify disease correlates. 3-dimensional voxel-based morphometry (3D VBM) analyzes, segments and quantifies key brain volumes allowing comparisons between COVID-19 "long haulers" and normative data drawn from healthy controls, with values based on percentages of intracranial volume. METHODS This is a retrospective single center study which analyzed 24 consecutive COVID-19 infected patients with long term neurologic symptoms. Each patient underwent Brain MRI with 3D VBM at median time of 85 days following laboratory confirmation. All patients had relatively mild respiratory symptoms not requiring oxygen supplementation, hospitalization, or assisted ventilation. 3D VBM was obtained for whole brain and forebrain parenchyma, cortical grey matter (CGM), hippocampus, and thalamus. RESULTS The results demonstrate a statistically significant depletion of CGM volume in 24 COVID-19 infected patients. Reduced CGM volume likely influences their long term neurological sequelae and may impair post COVID-19 patient's quality of life and productivity. CONCLUSION This study contributes to understanding effects of COVID-19 infection on patient's neurocognitive and neurological function, with potential for producing serious long term personal and economic consequences, and ongoing challenges to public health systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ted L. Rothstein
- grid.253615.60000 0004 1936 9510Department of Neurology, George Washington University, Washington, DC USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jiang L, An X, Duan Y, Lian F, Jin D, Zhang Y, Yang C, Zhang Y, Kang X, Sun Y. The pathological mechanism of the COVID-19 convalescence and its treatment with traditional Chinese medicine. Front Pharmacol 2023; 13:1054312. [PMID: 36703736 PMCID: PMC9872123 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1054312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus - 2 (SARS - CoV - 2) was reported to cause the Wuhan outbreak of the corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19). To date, the COVID-19 has infected more than 600 million people gloabally. As a growing number of patients recover from acute infections and are discharged from hospitals, the proportion of patients in the recovery period is gradually increasing. Many of these individuals have been reported to experience multiple symptoms during the convalescence, such as fatigue, dyspnea and pain which are designated as "long-COVID", "post-COVID syndrome" or "recovery sequelae. We searched for recent articles published in PubMed on COVID-19 convalescence and found that the pathogenesis of COVID-19 convalescence is not yet well recognized. It may be associated with incomplete recovery of immune system, parenchymal organ damage (liver or lung), coagulation abnormalities, "second hit" caused by viral infection, and Phenomenon of Cell Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP). Some drugs and psychological factors of patients also play a non-negligible role in it. We also found that the effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is effective in the treatment of the COVID-19 recovery phase, which can not only relieve the corresponding symptoms, but also improve the indicators and pulmonary fibrosis. Bufei Huoxue Capsule, as the only drug explicitly mentioned for COVID-19 recovery period, can exert strong rehabilitative effects on physiological activity in patients recovering from COVID-19. In addition, in previous studies, traditional Chinese medicine has been confirmed to have the ability to resist cytokine storms, as well as improve coagulation and myocardial damage, which makes it have potential therapeutic advantages in targeting the hyperimmune response, coagulation abnormalities and myocardial damage existing in the recovery period. In conclusion, the clinical symptoms of patients convalescing from COVID-19 are complex, and its pathogenesis has not been elucidated. traditional Chinese medicine, as a traditional treatment, its specific action and mechanism need to be confirmed by more studies, so that it can play a better role.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Jiang
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xuedong An
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Duan
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fengmei Lian
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Fengmei Lian,
| | - De Jin
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuehong Zhang
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cunqing Yang
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomin Kang
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yuting Sun
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang J. Investigating neurological symptoms of infectious diseases like COVID-19 leading to a deeper understanding of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Front Neurol 2022; 13:968193. [PMID: 36570463 PMCID: PMC9768197 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.968193] [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: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Apart from common respiratory symptoms, neurological symptoms are prevalent among patients with COVID-19. Research has shown that infection with SARS-CoV-2 accelerated alpha-synuclein aggregation, induced Lewy-body-like pathology, caused dopaminergic neuron senescence, and worsened symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). In addition, SARS-CoV-2 infection can induce neuroinflammation and facilitate subsequent neurodegeneration in long COVID, and increase individual vulnerability to PD or parkinsonism. These findings suggest that a post-COVID-19 parkinsonism might follow the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to prevent a possible post-COVID-19 parkinsonism, this paper reviewed neurological symptoms and related findings of COVID-19 and related infectious diseases (influenza and prion disease) and neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's disease, PD and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), and discussed potential mechanisms underlying the neurological symptoms and the relationship between the infectious diseases and the neurodegenerative disorders, as well as the therapeutic and preventive implications in the neurodegenerative disorders. Infections with a relay of microbes (SARS-CoV-2, influenza A viruses, gut bacteria, etc.) and prion-like alpha-synuclein proteins over time may synergize to induce PD. Therefore, a systematic approach that targets these pathogens and the pathogen-induced neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration may provide cures for neurodegenerative disorders. Further, antiviral/antimicrobial drugs, vaccines, immunotherapies and new therapies (e.g., stem cell therapy) need to work together to treat, manage or prevent these disorders. As medical science and technology advances, it is anticipated that better vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 variants, new antiviral/antimicrobial drugs, effective immunotherapies (alpha-synuclein antibodies, vaccines for PD or parkinsonism, etc.), as well as new therapies will be developed and made available in the near future, which will help prevent a possible post-COVID-19 parkinsonism in the 21st century.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chandekar KR, Satapathy S, Singh H, Bhattacharya A. Molecular imaging as a tool for evaluation of COVID-19 sequelae – A review of literature. World J Radiol 2022; 14:194-208. [PMID: 36160629 PMCID: PMC9350609 DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v14.i7.194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the novel viral pathogen, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 primarily involves the lungs. Nucleic acid testing based on reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction of respiratory samples is the current gold standard for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Imaging modalities have an established role in triaging, diagnosis, evaluation of disease severity, monitoring disease progression, extra-pulmonary involvement, and complications. As our understanding of the disease improves, there has been substantial evidence to highlight its potential for multi-systemic involvement and development of long-term sequelae. Molecular imaging techniques are highly sensitive, allowing non-invasive visualization of physiological or pathological processes at a cellular or molecular level with potential for detection of functional changes earlier than conventional radiological imaging. The purpose of this review article is to highlight the evolving role of molecular imaging in evaluation of COVID-19 sequelae. Though not ideal for diagnosis, the various modalities of molecular imaging play an important role in assessing pulmonary and extra-pulmonary sequelae of COVID-19. Perfusion imaging using single photon emission computed tomography fused with computed tomography (CT) can be utilized as a first-line imaging modality for COVID-19 related pulmonary embolism. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET)/CT is a sensitive tool to detect multi-systemic inflammation, including myocardial and vascular inflammation. PET in conjunction with magnetic resonance imaging helps in better characterization of neurological sequelae of COVID-19. Despite the fact that the majority of published literature is retrospective in nature with limited sample sizes, it is clear that molecular imaging provides additional valuable information (complimentary to anatomical imaging) with semi-quantitative or quantitative parameters to define inflammatory burden and can be used to guide therapeutic strategies and assess response. However, widespread clinical applicability remains a challenge owing to longer image acquisition times and the need for adoption of infection control protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kunal R Chandekar
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Swayamjeet Satapathy
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Harmandeep Singh
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Anish Bhattacharya
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
SARS-CoV-2 entry sites are present in all structural elements of the human glossopharyngeal and vagal nerves: Clinical implications. EBioMedicine 2022; 78:103981. [PMID: 35390636 PMCID: PMC8978584 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.103981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections result in the temporary loss of smell and taste in about one third of confirmed cases. Methods We used immunohistochemistry to confirm the presence of ACE2, NRP1 and TMPRSS2 in two cranial nerves (IX and X) that mediate taste where they leave/join the medulla. Samples from three (two paraffin embedded and one frozen) postmortem samples were studied (facial (VII) nerve was not available). We also performed immunohistochemistry using the same antibodies in two human cell lines (oligodendrocytes and fibroblasts), and we isolated RNA from one nerve and performed PCR to confirm the presence of the mRNAs that encode the proteins visualized. Findings All three of the proteins (ACE-2, NRP1 and TMPRSS2) required for SARS-CoV-2 infections appear to be present in all cellular components (Schwann cells, axons, vascular endothelium, and connective tissue) of the human IXth and Xth nerves near the medulla. We also found their mRNAs in the nerve and in human oligodendrocytes and fibroblasts which were stained by antibodies directed at the three proteins examined. Interpretation Infection of the IXth and Xth nerves by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is likely to cause the loss of taste experienced by many Covid patients. Migration of the virus from the oral cavity through these nerves to brainstem respiratory centers might contribute to the problems that patients experience. Funding This study was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), NIH (intramural project no. ZDE000755-01), and the Human Brain Tissue Bank, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary from the Hungarian Brain Research Program (2017-1.2.1-NKP-2017-00002).
Collapse
|
7
|
Brandi N, Ciccarese F, Rimondi MR, Balacchi C, Modolon C, Sportoletti C, Renzulli M, Coppola F, Golfieri R. An Imaging Overview of COVID-19 ARDS in ICU Patients and Its Complications: A Pictorial Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:846. [PMID: 35453894 PMCID: PMC9032937 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12040846] [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: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A significant proportion of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia could develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), thus requiring mechanical ventilation, and resulting in a high rate of intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Several complications can arise during an ICU stay, from both COVID-19 infection and the respiratory supporting system, including barotraumas (pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum), superimposed pneumonia, coagulation disorders (pulmonary embolism, venous thromboembolism, hemorrhages and acute ischemic stroke), abdominal involvement (acute mesenteric ischemia, pancreatitis and acute kidney injury) and sarcopenia. Imaging plays a pivotal role in the detection and monitoring of ICU complications and is expanding even to prognosis prediction. The present pictorial review describes the clinicopathological and radiological findings of COVID-19 ARDS in ICU patients and discusses the imaging features of complications related to invasive ventilation support, as well as those of COVID-19 itself in this particularly fragile population. Radiologists need to be familiar with COVID-19's possible extra-pulmonary complications and, through reliable and constant monitoring, guide therapeutic decisions. Moreover, as more research is pursued and the pathophysiology of COVID-19 is increasingly understood, the role of imaging must evolve accordingly, expanding from the diagnosis and subsequent management of patients to prognosis prediction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Brandi
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.C.); (C.B.); (M.R.); (F.C.); (R.G.)
| | - Federica Ciccarese
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.C.); (C.B.); (M.R.); (F.C.); (R.G.)
| | - Maria Rita Rimondi
- Cardio-Thoracic Radiology Unit, University Hospital S.Orsola-Malpighi, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.R.R.); (C.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Caterina Balacchi
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.C.); (C.B.); (M.R.); (F.C.); (R.G.)
| | - Cecilia Modolon
- Cardio-Thoracic Radiology Unit, University Hospital S.Orsola-Malpighi, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.R.R.); (C.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Camilla Sportoletti
- Cardio-Thoracic Radiology Unit, University Hospital S.Orsola-Malpighi, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.R.R.); (C.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Matteo Renzulli
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.C.); (C.B.); (M.R.); (F.C.); (R.G.)
| | - Francesca Coppola
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.C.); (C.B.); (M.R.); (F.C.); (R.G.)
- Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology, SIRM Foundation, Via della Signora 2, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Rita Golfieri
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.C.); (C.B.); (M.R.); (F.C.); (R.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Vitale-Cross L, Szalayova I, Scoggins A, Palkovits M, Mezey E. SARS-CoV-2 entry sites are present in all structural elements of the human glossopharyngeal and vagal nerves: clinical implications. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022. [PMID: 35018378 PMCID: PMC8750701 DOI: 10.1101/2021.12.30.474580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infections result in the temporary loss of smell and taste (anosmia and dysgeusia) in about one third of confirmed cases. Several investigators have reported that the viral spike protein receptor is present in olfactory neurons. However, no study has been published to date showing the presence of viral entry sites angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), neuropilin1 (NRP1), and TMPRSS2, the serine protease necessary for priming the viral proteins, in human nerves that are responsible for taste sensation (cranial nerves: VII, IX and X). We used immunocytochemistry to examine three postmortem donor samples of the IXth (glossopharyngeal) and Xth (vagal) cranial nerves where they leave/join the medulla from three donors to confirm the presence of ACE2, NRP1 and TMPRSS2. Two samples were paraffin embedded; one was a frozen sample. In addition to staining sections from the latter, we isolated RNA from it, made cDNA, and performed PCR to confirm the presence of the mRNAs that encode the proteins visualized. All three of the proteins required for SARS-CoV-2 infections appear to be present in the human IXth and Xth nerves near the medulla. Direct infection of these nerves by the COVID-19 virus is likely to cause the loss of taste experienced by many patients. In addition, potential viral spread through these nerves into the adjacent brainstem respiratory centers might also aggravate the respiratory problems patients are experiencing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Vitale-Cross
- Adult Stem Cell Section, NIDCR, NIH, 30 Convent Drive, Bethesda, Md 20892
| | - I Szalayova
- Adult Stem Cell Section, NIDCR, NIH, 30 Convent Drive, Bethesda, Md 20892
| | - A Scoggins
- Adult Stem Cell Section, NIDCR, NIH, 30 Convent Drive, Bethesda, Md 20892
| | | | - E Mezey
- Adult Stem Cell Section, NIDCR, NIH, 30 Convent Drive, Bethesda, Md 20892
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sklinda K, Górecki A, Dorobek M, Walecki J, Modrzyńska A, Mruk B. Ischaemic background of brain fog in long-haul COVID-19 - a nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy-based metabonomic analysis. Preliminary results. Pol J Radiol 2021; 86:e654-e660. [PMID: 35059058 PMCID: PMC8757010 DOI: 10.5114/pjr.2021.111100] [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: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Long-haul COVID-19 is a condition of unknown background occurring in COVID-19 survivors regardless of the severity of the SARS-CoV-2 infection itself. The aim of the study was to evaluate brain changes in patients suffering from variable symptoms of brain fog after COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eleven patients hospitalized due to symptoms of severe brain fog, i.e. insomnia, sudden impairment of cognitive function, headache, and depression, and 14 healthy volunteers underwent brain imaging including MR spectroscopy. RESULTS Routine MR imaging revealed no specific macroscopic changes in keeping with brain fog. Considering that the clinical manifestation of brain fog is transient, the evaluation of the metabolic status of the brain remained the method of choice. The concentration of the major cerebral metabolites, i.e. NAA, Cho, and Cr, remained stable. However, changes in Glx and Lac concentration were observed in MR spectroscopy. CONCLUSIONS Following results along with clinical course of the brain for imply probable ischaemic background of symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Sklinda
- Department od Radiology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Poland
| | - Andrzej Górecki
- Medical Diagnostic Centre “Voxel”, Medical Hospital, Lancut, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Dorobek
- Department of Neurology, Central Clinical Hospital of Interior and Administration, Poland
| | - Jerzy Walecki
- Department od Radiology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Poland
| | - Aneta Modrzyńska
- Department of Neurology, Central Clinical Hospital of Interior and Administration, Poland
| | - Bartosz Mruk
- Department od Radiology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Poland
| |
Collapse
|