Neuroimaging of Covid-19. First Insights based on Clinical Cases

The impact of COVID-19 on the nervous system is diverse and frequently involves cerebrovascular disorders, encephalopathies, inflammatory Central Nervous System (CNS) syndromes, peripheral neurologic disorders, and psychiatric disorders. The pathophysiology of neurological manifestations is complex and may be coincidental, common complications of severe viral infection, or direct consequence of the viral infection. Neuroimaging, particularly MRI, is crucial in detecting and understanding neurological complications of COVID-19, as CT scans may lack the sensitivity to identify microvascular lesions. This book will be an invaluable resource for physicians involved in the pandemic.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 93 pages
Publication date: 19 March 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The impact of COVID-19 on the nervous system (NS) is a complex and evolving field of study, with a growing body of evidence suggesting that the NS is frequently involved in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Current data indicate that the involvement of the NS is not limited to a specific population but rather occurs across a wide range of individuals. The most common neurologic syndromes observed in patients with COVID-19 include cerebrovascular disorders, encephalopathies, inflammatory Central Nervous System (CNS) syndromes, peripheral neurologic disorders, and psychiatric disorders.

While the pathophysiology of neurological manifestations in COVID-19 remains largely unclear, it is believed to involve a combination of factors. These factors may include coincidental occurrences, common complications of severe viral infection, or direct consequences of the viral infection either via indirect para-infective mechanisms or direct viral penetration of the NS. Experimental animal models have previously demonstrated the neuroinvasive potential of SARS-CoV and the detection of viral particles in specific structures within the CNS, such as the thalamus, nucleus ambiguous, and nucleus of the solitary tract. This suggests that CNS invasion can contribute significantly to the severe outcome of COVID-19, not only through direct damage to neurological structures but also through potential detrimental effects on cardiorespiratory responses.

To date, the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the cerebrospinal fluid of COVID-19 patients has been reported occasionally, although conclusive pathological demonstration of the virus in the CNS is lacking. In this context, the role of neuroimaging becomes paramount. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), healthcare professionals can gain a better understanding of the neurological manifestations of COVID-19 and identify potential areas of damage within the CNS.

These considerations underscore the urgent need to better clarify the neurotropic potential of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This includes investigating the mechanisms demonstrated in experimental animal models to prevent CNS invasion and developing potential strategies to adapt treatment protocols based on the NS. Furthermore, it is essential to enhance our understanding of the long-term consequences of COVID-19 on the NS, including the potential for neurological complications and disability.

In conclusion, the impact of COVID-19 on the NS is a multifaceted and complex issue that requires further investigation and research. By leveraging advanced neuroimaging techniques and multidisciplinary approaches, healthcare professionals can better understand the neurological manifestations of COVID-19, identify potential areas of damage within the CNS, and develop effective strategies to prevent CNS invasion and improve treatment outcomes for patients with this condition.

Weight: 216g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030675233
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021