Back to Search Start Over

Cognitive, EEG, and MRI features of COVID-19 survivors: a 10-month study.

Authors :
Cecchetti, Giordano
Agosta, Federica
Canu, Elisa
Basaia, Silvia
Barbieri, Alessandra
Cardamone, Rosalinda
Bernasconi, Maria Paola
Castelnovo, Veronica
Cividini, Camilla
Cursi, Marco
Vabanesi, Marco
Impellizzeri, Matteo
Lazzarin, Serena Marita
Fanelli, Giovanna Franca
Minicucci, Fabio
Giacalone, Giacomo
Falini, Andrea
Falautano, Monica
Rovere-Querini, Patrizia
Roveri, Luisa
Source :
Journal of Neurology; Jul2022, Vol. 269 Issue 7, p3400-3412, 13p
Publication Year :
2022

Abstract

Background and objectives: To explore cognitive, EEG, and MRI features in COVID-19 survivors up to 10 months after hospital discharge. Methods: Adult patients with a recent diagnosis of COVID-19 and reporting subsequent cognitive complaints underwent neuropsychological assessment and 19-channel-EEG within 2 months (baseline, N = 49) and 10 months (follow-up, N = 33) after hospital discharge. A brain MRI was obtained for 36 patients at baseline. Matched healthy controls were included. Using eLORETA, EEG regional current densities and linear lagged connectivity values were estimated. Total brain and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) volumes were measured. Clinical and instrumental data were evaluated between patients and controls at baseline, and within patient whole group and with/without dysgeusia/hyposmia subgroups over time. Correlations among findings at each timepoint were computed. Results: At baseline, 53% and 28% of patients showed cognitive and psychopathological disturbances, respectively, with executive dysfunctions correlating with acute-phase respiratory distress. Compared to healthy controls, patients also showed higher regional current density and connectivity at delta band, correlating with executive performances, and greater WMH load, correlating with verbal memory deficits. A reduction of cognitive impairment and delta band EEG connectivity were observed over time, while psychopathological symptoms persisted. Patients with acute dysgeusia/hyposmia showed lower improvement at memory tests than those without. Lower EEG delta band at baseline predicted worse cognitive functioning at follow-up. Discussion: COVID-19 patients showed interrelated cognitive, EEG, and MRI abnormalities 2 months after hospital discharge. Cognitive and EEG findings improved at 10 months. Dysgeusia and hyposmia during acute COVID-19 were related with increased vulnerability in memory functions over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
03405354
Volume :
269
Issue :
7
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Journal of Neurology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
157584940
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-022-11047-5