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Sampath V, Thiyagarajan P, Tamilarasan T, Balasubramaniam S, Sivaramakrishnan SA, Irulappan VSK, Gopinath I, Rajamal SK, Fernando RN, Ramasubramanian S. Anosmia in COVID-19: Investigating the Role of Paranasal Sinus Mucosal Thickening. Cureus 2024; 16:e56019. [PMID: 38606227 PMCID: PMC11008317 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Anosmia has been identified as a distinctive symptom of COVID-19, leading to hypotheses about its pathophysiological underpinnings, including the potential role of paranasal sinus mucosal thickening. Objective To investigate the association between paranasal sinus mucosal thickening and anosmia in COVID-19 patients, providing insights into the complex clinical manifestations of the disease. Methods This retrospective cohort study analyzed CT paranasal sinus from 270 confirmed COVID-19 patients, divided into those with anosmia (n = 23, 8.52%) and those without anosmia (n = 247, 91.48%). Statistical analysis, including independent t-tests, was employed to compare mucosal thickening between the groups. Results The study found an average mucosal thickening of 0.03 in patients with anosmia and 0.02 in those without, with no statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.480, which is greater than 0.05). The findings suggest that mucosal thickening in the paranasal sinuses does not serve as a definitive correlate of anosmia among COVID-19 patients. Conclusion The absence of a significant correlation between paranasal sinus mucosal thickening and anosmia in COVID-19 patients indicates that the pathophysiology of anosmia may involve factors beyond anatomical changes, including direct viral effects and systemic inflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijayalakshmi Sampath
- Radiodiagnosis, Government Medical College, Omandurar Government Estate, Chennai, IND
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ishwar Gopinath
- Radiodiagnosis, Government Medical College, Omandurar Government Estate, Chennai, IND
| | - Suresh Kumar Rajamal
- Radiodiagnosis, Government Medical College, Omandurar Government Estate, Chennai, IND
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Shimizu S, Nakayama M, Nguyen CT, Ishigaki H, Kitagawa Y, Yasui F, Yagi Y, Kusayanagi T, Kohara M, Itoh Y, Tojima I, Kouzaki H, Shimizu T. SARS-CoV-2 induces inflammation and intracranial infection through the olfactory epithelium-olfactory bulb pathway in non-human primates. J Neuroimmunol 2024; 387:578288. [PMID: 38237527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2024.578288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
We examined the histopathological changes in the olfactory mucosa of cynomolgus and rhesus macaque models of SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 infection induced severe inflammatory changes in the olfactory mucosa. A major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecule, HLA-DR was expressed in macrophage and supporting cells, and melanocytes were increased in olfactory mucosa. Supporting cells and olfactory neurons were infected, and SARS-CoV-2 N protein was detected in the axons of olfactory neurons and in olfactory bulbs. Viral RNA was detected in olfactory bulbs and brain tissues. The olfactory epithelium-olfactory bulb pathway may be important as a route for intracranial infection by SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shino Shimizu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan.
| | - Misako Nakayama
- Division of Pathogenesis and Disease Regulation, Department of Pathology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Cong Thanh Nguyen
- Division of Pathogenesis and Disease Regulation, Department of Pathology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Hirohito Ishigaki
- Division of Pathogenesis and Disease Regulation, Department of Pathology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Kitagawa
- Division of Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Department of Pathology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Yasui
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Michinori Kohara
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasushi Itoh
- Division of Pathogenesis and Disease Regulation, Department of Pathology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Ichiro Tojima
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Hideaki Kouzaki
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Takeshi Shimizu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
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Hu B, Gong M, Xiang Y, Qu S, Zhu H, Ye D. Mechanism and treatment of olfactory dysfunction caused by coronavirus disease 2019. J Transl Med 2023; 21:829. [PMID: 37978386 PMCID: PMC10657033 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04719-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Since the start of the pandemic, olfactory dysfunction (OD) has been reported as a common symptom of COVID-19. In some asymptomatic carriers, OD is often the first and even the only symptom. At the same time, persistent OD is also a long-term sequela seen after COVID-19 that can have a serious impact on the quality of life of patients. However, the pathogenesis of post-COVID-19 OD is still unclear, and there is no specific treatment for its patients. The aim of this paper was to review the research on OD caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection and to summarize the mechanism of action, the pathogenesis, and current treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bian Hu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ninghai First Hospital, Ningbo, 315600, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengdan Gong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yizhen Xiang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China
| | - Siyuan Qu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hai Zhu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dong Ye
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China.
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Muccioli L, Sighinolfi G, Mitolo M, Ferri L, Jane Rochat M, Pensato U, Taruffi L, Testa C, Masullo M, Cortelli P, Lodi R, Liguori R, Tonon C, Bisulli F. Cognitive and functional connectivity impairment in post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction. Neuroimage Clin 2023; 38:103410. [PMID: 37104928 PMCID: PMC10165139 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2023.103410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the neuropsychological profile and the integrity of the olfactory network in patients with COVID-19-related persistent olfactory dysfunction (OD). METHODS Patients with persistent COVID-19-related OD underwent olfactory assessment with Sniffin' Sticks and neuropsychological evaluation. Additionally, both patients and a control group underwent brain MRI, including T1-weighted and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) sequences on a 3 T scanner. Morphometrical properties were evaluated in olfaction-associated regions; the rs-fMRI data were analysed using graph theory at the whole-brain level and within a standard parcellation of the olfactory functional network. All the MR-derived quantities were compared between the two groups and their correlation with clinical scores in patients were explored. RESULTS We included 23 patients (mean age 37 ± 14 years, 12 females) with persistent (mean duration 11 ± 5 months, range 2-19 months) COVID-19-related OD (mean score 23.63 ± 5.32/48, hyposmia cut-off: 30.75) and 26 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Applying population-derived cut-off values, the two cognitive domains mainly impaired were visuospatial memory and executive functions (17 % and 13 % of patients). Brain MRI did not show gross morphological abnormalities. The lateral orbital cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala volumes exhibited a reduction trend in patients, not significant after the correction for multiple comparisons. The olfactory bulb volumes did not differ between patients and controls. Graph analysis of the functional olfactory network showed altered global and local properties in the patients' group (n = 19, 4 excluded due to artifacts) compared to controls. Specifically, we detected a reduction in the global modularity coefficient, positively correlated with hyposmia severity, and an increase of the degree and strength of the right thalamus functional connections, negatively correlated with short-term verbal memory scores. DISCUSSION Patients with persistent COVID-19-related OD showed an altered olfactory network connectivity correlated with hyposmia severity and neuropsychological performance. No significant morphological alterations were found in patients compared with controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Muccioli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sighinolfi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Micaela Mitolo
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Ferri
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Umberto Pensato
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Lisa Taruffi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudia Testa
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Masullo
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pietro Cortelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Raffaele Lodi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rocco Liguori
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Caterina Tonon
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Bisulli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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5
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Abdou EHE, Ebada HA, Salem MA, Ghoneim MMR, Sherif F, Kamal E. Clinical and Imaging Evaluation of COVID-19-Related Olfactory Dysfunction. Am J Rhinol Allergy 2023:19458924231163969. [PMID: 36945746 PMCID: PMC10034563 DOI: 10.1177/19458924231163969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Olfactory dysfunction has been reported in 47.85% of COVID patients. It can be broadly categorized into conductive or sensorineural olfactory loss. Conductive loss occurs due to impaired nasal air flow, while sensorineural loss implies dysfunction of the olfactory epithelium or central olfactory pathways. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical and imaging findings in patients with COVID-related olfactory dysfunction. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the possible mechanisms of COVID-related olfactory dysfunction. METHODS The study included 110 patients with post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction, and a control group of 50 COVID-negative subjects with normal olfactory function. Endoscopic nasal examination was performed for all participants with special focus on the olfactory cleft. Smell testing was performed for all participants by using a smell diskettes test. Olfactory pathway magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done to assess the condition of the olfactory cleft and the dimensions and volume of the olfactory bulb. RESULTS Olfactory dysfunction was not associated with nasal symptoms in 51.8% of patients. MRI showed significantly increased olfactory bulb dimensions and volume competed to controls. Additionally, it revealed olfactory cleft edema in 57.3% of patients. On the other hand, radiological evidence of sinusitis was detected in only 15.5% of patients. CONCLUSION The average olfactory bulb volumes were significantly higher in the patients' group compared to the control group, indicating significant edema and swelling in the olfactory bulb in patients with COVID-related olfactory dysfunction. Furthermore, in most patients, no sinonasal symptoms such as nasal congestion or rhinorrhea were reported, and similarly, no radiological evidence of sinusitis was detected. Consequently, the most probable mechanism of COVID-related olfactory dysfunction is sensorineural loss through virus spread and damage to the olfactory epithelium and pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hisham Atef Ebada
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | | | - Fatma Sherif
- Radio-diagnosis and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Elsharawy Kamal
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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6
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Sinus, middle-ear and mastoid radiological findings of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. J Laryngol Otol 2023; 137:76-80. [PMID: 36263731 DOI: 10.1017/s0022215122002304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the incidence of radiological inflammation within the paranasal sinuses, middle ear and mastoid in patients with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted to examine consecutive adults (aged over 18 years) with coronavirus disease 2019 (confirmed on polymerase chain reaction within 7 days of imaging) who underwent computed tomography of the head between 1 March 2020 and 24 June 2020. Lund-Mackay and mastoid and middle-ear opacification scores were used to categorise the extent of sinus and mastoid opacification on axial and coronal computed tomography images. RESULTS Of 147 patients originally identified, only 83 met the inclusion criteria. Sinus opacification was present in 51.8 per cent of patients (n = 43), and middle-ear or mastoid opacification was observed in 24.1 per cent (n = 20). There was no statistically significant difference in sinus or middle-ear and mastoid opacification between patients after stratification based on 30-day all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION Radiological computed tomography findings suggest mild mucosal disease within the sinuses, middle ear and mastoid. There was no statistical correlation between such opacification and 30-day mortality.
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Butowt R, Bilinska K, von Bartheld CS. Olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19: new insights into the underlying mechanisms. Trends Neurosci 2023; 46:75-90. [PMID: 36470705 PMCID: PMC9666374 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2022.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms of olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 are still unclear. In this review, we examine potential mechanisms that may explain why the sense of smell is lost or altered. Among the current hypotheses, the most plausible is that death of infected support cells in the olfactory epithelium causes, besides altered composition of the mucus, retraction of the cilia on olfactory receptor neurons, possibly because of the lack of support cell-derived glucose in the mucus, which powers olfactory signal transduction within the cilia. This mechanism is consistent with the rapid loss of smell with COVID-19, and its rapid recovery after the regeneration of support cells. Host immune responses that cause downregulation of genes involved in olfactory signal transduction occur too late to trigger anosmia, but may contribute to the duration of the olfactory dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafal Butowt
- Global Consortium of Chemosensory Research - Poland, Przybory Str 3/2, 85-791 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bilinska
- Department of Molecular Cell Genetics, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, uI. Curie Sklodowskiej 9, 85-94, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | - Christopher S. von Bartheld
- Center of Biomedical Research Excellence in Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557-0352, USA,Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557-0352, USA,Correspondence:
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8
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Capelli S, Caroli A, Barletta A, Arrigoni A, Napolitano A, Pezzetti G, Longhi LG, Zangari R, Lorini FL, Sessa M, Remuzzi A, Gerevini S. MRI evidence of olfactory system alterations in patients with COVID-19 and neurological symptoms. J Neurol 2023; 270:1195-1206. [PMID: 36656356 PMCID: PMC9850323 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11561-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Despite olfactory disorders being among the most common neurological complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), their pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated yet. Brain MR imaging is a consolidated method for evaluating olfactory system's morphological modification, but a few quantitative studies have been published so far. The aim of the study was to provide MRI evidence of olfactory system alterations in patients with COVID-19 and neurological symptoms, including olfactory dysfunction. METHODS 196 COVID-19 patients (median age: 53 years, 56% females) and 39 controls (median age 55 years, 49% females) were included in this cross-sectional observational study; 78 of the patients reported olfactory loss as the only neurological symptom. MRI processing was performed by ad-hoc semi-automatic processing procedures. Olfactory bulb (OB) volume was measured on T2-weighted MRI based on manual tracing and normalized to the brain volume. Olfactory tract (OT) median signal intensity was quantified on fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences, after preliminary intensity normalization. RESULTS COVID-19 patients showed significantly lower left, right and total OB volumes than controls (p < 0.05). Age-related OB atrophy was found in the control but not in the patient population. No significant difference was found between patients with olfactory disorders and other neurological symptoms. Several outliers with abnormally high OT FLAIR signal intensity were found in the patient group. CONCLUSIONS Brain MRI findings demonstrated OB damage in COVID-19 patients with neurological complications. Future longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the transient or permanent nature of OB atrophy in COVID-19 pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Capelli
- grid.4527.40000000106678902Bioengineering Department, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Ranica, BG Italy
| | - Anna Caroli
- grid.4527.40000000106678902Bioengineering Department, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Ranica, BG Italy
| | - Antonino Barletta
- grid.460094.f0000 0004 1757 8431Department of Neuroradiology, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Piazza OMS 1, 24127 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Alberto Arrigoni
- grid.4527.40000000106678902Bioengineering Department, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Ranica, BG Italy
| | - Angela Napolitano
- grid.460094.f0000 0004 1757 8431Department of Neuroradiology, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Piazza OMS 1, 24127 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giulio Pezzetti
- grid.460094.f0000 0004 1757 8431Department of Neuroradiology, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Piazza OMS 1, 24127 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Luca Giovanni Longhi
- grid.460094.f0000 0004 1757 8431Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit, Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Rosalia Zangari
- grid.460094.f0000 0004 1757 8431FROM Research Foundation, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Luca Lorini
- grid.460094.f0000 0004 1757 8431Department of Emergency and Critical Care Area, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Maria Sessa
- grid.460094.f0000 0004 1757 8431Department of Neurology, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, 24127 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Andrea Remuzzi
- grid.33236.370000000106929556Department of Management, Information and Production Engineering, University of Bergamo, Dalmine, BG Italy
| | - Simonetta Gerevini
- Department of Neuroradiology, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Piazza OMS 1, 24127, Bergamo, Italy.
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Campabadal A, Oltra J, Junqué C, Guillen N, Botí MÁ, Sala‐Llonch R, Monté‐Rubio GC, Lledó G, Bargalló N, Rami L, Sánchez‐Valle R, Segura B. Structural brain changes in post-acute COVID-19 patients with persistent olfactory dysfunction. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2022; 10:195-203. [PMID: 36525472 PMCID: PMC9878006 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51710] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This research aims to study structural brain changes in patients with persistent olfactory dysfunctions after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS COVID-19 patients were evaluated using T1-weighted and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) on a 3T MRI scanner, 9.94 ± 3.83 months after COVID-19 diagnosis. Gray matter (GM) voxel-based morphometry was performed using FSL-VBM. Voxelwise statistical analysis of the fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD), and axial diffusivity was carried out with the tract-based spatial statistics in the olfactory system. The smell identification test (UPSIT) was used to classify patients as normal olfaction or olfactory dysfunction groups. Intergroup comparisons between GM and DTI measures were computed, as well as correlations with the UPSIT scores. RESULTS Forty-eight COVID-19 patients were included in the study. Twenty-three were classified as olfactory dysfunction, and 25 as normal olfaction. The olfactory dysfunction group had lower GM volume in a cluster involving the left amygdala, insular cortex, parahippocampal gyrus, frontal superior and inferior orbital gyri, gyrus rectus, olfactory cortex, caudate, and putamen. This group also showed higher MD values in the genu of the corpus callosum, the orbitofrontal area, the anterior thalamic radiation, and the forceps minor; and higher RD values in the anterior corona radiata, the genu of the corpus callosum, and uncinate fasciculus compared with the normal olfaction group. The UPSIT scores for the whole sample were negatively associated with both MD and RD values (p-value ≤0.05 FWE-corrected). INTERPRETATION There is decreased GM volume and increased MD in olfactory-related regions explaining prolonged olfactory deficits in post-acute COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Campabadal
- Medical Psychology Unit, Department of Medicine, Institute of NeurosciencesUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain,Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Javier Oltra
- Medical Psychology Unit, Department of Medicine, Institute of NeurosciencesUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain,Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Carme Junqué
- Medical Psychology Unit, Department of Medicine, Institute of NeurosciencesUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain,Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Núria Guillen
- Alzheimer's Disease and Other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Institute of NeurosciencesUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - María Ángeles Botí
- Alzheimer's Disease and Other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Institute of NeurosciencesUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Roser Sala‐Llonch
- Department of Biomedicine, Institute of NeurosciencesUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Gemma C. Monté‐Rubio
- Medical Psychology Unit, Department of Medicine, Institute of NeurosciencesUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain,Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Gema Lledó
- Autoimmune Diseases ServiceHospital Clínic de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Nuria Bargalló
- Centre de Diagnòstic per la Imatge (CDI)Hospital Clínic de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Lorena Rami
- Alzheimer's Disease and Other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Institute of NeurosciencesUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Raquel Sánchez‐Valle
- Alzheimer's Disease and Other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Institute of NeurosciencesUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Bàrbara Segura
- Medical Psychology Unit, Department of Medicine, Institute of NeurosciencesUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain,Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)BarcelonaSpain
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10
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Llana T, Mendez M, Zorzo C, Fidalgo C, Juan MC, Mendez-Lopez M. Anosmia in COVID-19 could be associated with long-term deficits in the consolidation of procedural and verbal declarative memories. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1082811. [PMID: 36570827 PMCID: PMC9780694 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1082811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Long-COVID describes the long-term effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In long-COVID patients, neuropsychological alterations are frequently reported symptoms. Research points to medial temporal lobe dysfunction and its association with anosmia in long-COVID patients. This study aims to investigate the acquisition and consolidation of declarative and procedural memory in long-COVID patients and to explore whether anosmia is related to these dissociated memory functions. Methods Forty-two long-COVID participants and 30 controls (C) were recruited. The sample of long-COVID patients was divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of anosmia, group A and group NA, respectively. Objective performance in verbal declarative memory (Paired-Associate Learning, PAL), procedural memory (Mirror Tracing Test, MTT), general cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale), psychomotor speed, and incidental learning (Digit Symbol Substitution Test) were assessed and compared among the A, NA, and C groups. Long-term retention of PAL and MTT were assessed 24 h after acquisition. Results Lower scores in general cognition, psychomotor speed, and sustained attention were found in A and NA compared with C. However, incidental learning, both cue-guided and free-recalled, was diminished in group A compared with C, with no differences with group NA. General cognition and incidental learning were related to declarative memory function exclusively in long-COVID groups. Long-COVID groups presented lower long-term retention of verbal declarative memory than controls in recall tests but no differences in recognition tests. No group differences were found in the acquisition of procedural memory. However, long-term retention of this memory was worse in group A as compared to the NA and C groups, respectively, when errors and time of execution were considered. Conclusion Findings support that consolidation of both procedural and declarative memories is more affected than the acquisition of these memories in long-COVID patients, who are also more vulnerable to deficits in delayed recall than in recognition of declarative memories. Deficits in the consolidation of procedural memory and immediate recall of declarative information are especially relevant in long-COVID participants with anosmia. This indicates that anosmia in COVID-19 could be associated with a long-term dysfunction of the limbic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Llana
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain,Neuroscience Institute of Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain,Instituto Universitario de Automática e Informática Industrial, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Mendez
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain,Neuroscience Institute of Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain,*Correspondence: Marta Mendez,
| | - Candela Zorzo
- Neuroscience Institute of Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain,Instituto Universitario de Automática e Informática Industrial, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Camino Fidalgo
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain,IIS Aragón-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - M.-Carmen Juan
- Instituto Universitario de Automática e Informática Industrial, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Magdalena Mendez-Lopez
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain,IIS Aragón-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
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11
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Brudasca I, Lisan Q, Tournegros R, Bensafi M, Ferdenzi C, Fournel A, Denoix L, Tringali S, Fieux M. Systematic MRI in persistent post-Covid-19 olfactory dysfunction should be reassessed. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol 2022; 13:285-287. [PMID: 36062361 PMCID: PMC9538635 DOI: 10.1002/alr.23081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard in the etiological assessment of a persistent olfactory dysfunction (OD). While the utility of imaging in COVID-19-related OD has yet to be established, MRI is recommended in all patients with persistent OD. The high prevalence of the latter after SARS-CoV-2 infection means evaluating this strategy is an important public health matter. METHODS The main objective was to examine the impact of systematic MRI on the management of patients with OD. All adult patients consulting for persistent OD (>2 months) after primary SARS-COV-2 infection (PCR) between March 2020 and December 2021 were included (n = 67). The secondary objective was to evaluate the relationship between the severity of the OD as measured by psychophysical testing (ETOC) and the volume of the olfactory bulb (OB) measured by MRI. RESULTS All patients underwent MRI, and none led to a change in diagnosis or treatment. Among them, 82% (55/67) were considered normal by the radiologist on initial interpretation. There were no significant differences (visual analysis or OB volume) between groups (mild, moderate, and severe hyposmia). CONCLUSION Systematic MRI may be unnecessary in patients whose persistent OD began soon (a few days) after confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Brudasca
- Service d'ORL, d'otoneurochirurgie et de chirurgie cervico‐faciale, Centre Hospitalier Lyon SudHospices Civils de LyonPierre BéniteFrance
| | - Quentin Lisan
- Service d'ORL et chirurgie cervico‐faciale, Foch Hospital, Ecole de médecineUniversité Versailles Saint‐Quentin‐en‐Yvelines (Paris Saclay University)SuresnesFrance
| | - Romain Tournegros
- Service d'ORL, d'otoneurochirurgie et de chirurgie cervico‐faciale, Centre Hospitalier Lyon SudHospices Civils de LyonPierre BéniteFrance
| | | | | | | | - Luna Denoix
- Service d'ORL, d'otoneurochirurgie et de chirurgie cervico‐faciale, Centre Hospitalier Lyon SudHospices Civils de LyonPierre BéniteFrance
| | - Stéphane Tringali
- Service d'ORL, d'otoneurochirurgie et de chirurgie cervico‐faciale, Centre Hospitalier Lyon SudHospices Civils de LyonPierre BéniteFrance,Université de LyonUniversité Lyon 1LyonFrance
| | - Maxime Fieux
- Service d'ORL, d'otoneurochirurgie et de chirurgie cervico‐faciale, Centre Hospitalier Lyon SudHospices Civils de LyonPierre BéniteFrance,Université de LyonUniversité Lyon 1LyonFrance,Univ Paris Est CreteilINSERM, IMRBCréteilFrance,CNRS EMR 7000CréteilFrance
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12
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Chronic Olfactory Dysfunction in Children with Long COVID: A Retrospective Study. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9081251. [PMID: 36010141 PMCID: PMC9406427 DOI: 10.3390/children9081251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Olfactory dysfunction is one of the long-term consequences of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults. This study aims to analyze the prevalence of chronic anosmia among COVID-19 children and to bring to light its impact on their families’ quality of life and wellbeing. Children younger than 18 years old, who were detected as being COVID-19-positive by RT-PCR and were assessed in a pediatric post-COVID outpatient clinic at least 28 days after the onset of the acute infection, were included in the study. The patients suffering from persisting smell disorders were asked to answer a questionnaire about their symptoms and how they influence their daily life. Out of the 784 children evaluated, 13 (1.7%) presented olfactory impairment at a mean follow-up since the acute infection of more than three months. Parents’ answers showed that they were worried about their children’s health, in particular they wanted to know if and when they would recover and if these disorders would have long-term consequences. They also wanted to share their experiences, in order to help other people who are experiencing the same disorders in everyday life. Our study highlights that smell disorders can significantly upset children’s eating habits and everyday activities. Furthermore, these findings suggest that future research should try to better understand the mechanisms causing loss of smell in COVID-19 patients and find the most appropriate treatment.
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13
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Li W, Micco A, Fang D, Liu H. Intratympanic steroid treatments rescued recurrent hearing loss following COVID-19 vaccination and detection of an intralabyrinthine schwannoma. BMJ Case Rep 2022; 15:15/7/e249316. [PMID: 35793841 PMCID: PMC9260791 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-249316] [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: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
It remains unclear how to effectively treat rare cases of sudden and recurrent hearing losses which might coincidently follow vaccination. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of systemic and local steroid administration to successfully treat sudden and recurrent left-ear hearing loss, respectively, following a second dose of the BNT162b2 COVID-19 mRNA vaccination which inflammatory response potentially affected an existing left intralabyrinthine schwannoma in a young male patient. This case highlights the importance and timing of intratympanic steroid treatment strategies to suppress the progressive symptoms and restore hearing to a stable condition, and therefore avoid permanent hearing loss which would otherwise demand a surgical removal of the schwannoma to improve vertigo and reconstitute artificial hearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihang Li
- Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Alan Micco
- Otolaryngology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Deyu Fang
- Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Huiping Liu
- Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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14
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Ueha R, Ito T, Furukawa R, Kitabatake M, Ouji-Sageshima N, Ueha S, Koyama M, Uranaka T, Kondo K, Yamasoba T. Oral SARS-CoV-2 Inoculation Causes Nasal Viral Infection Leading to Olfactory Bulb Infection: An Experimental Study. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:924725. [PMID: 35770069 PMCID: PMC9234459 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.924725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections can cause long-lasting anosmia, but the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection, which can spread to the nasal cavity via the oral route, on the olfactory receptor neuron (ORN) lineage and olfactory bulb (OB) remains undetermined. Using Syrian hamsters, we explored whether oral SARS-CoV-2 inoculation can lead to nasal viral infection, examined how SARS-CoV-2 affects the ORN lineage by site, and investigated whether SARS-CoV-2 infection can spread to the OB and induce inflammation. On post-inoculation day 7, SARS-CoV-2 presence was confirmed in the lateral area (OCAM-positive) but not the nasal septum of NQO1-positive and OCAM-positive areas. The virus was observed partially infiltrating the olfactory epithelium, and ORN progenitor cells, immature ORNs, and mature ORNs were fewer than in controls. The virus was found in the olfactory nerve bundles to the OB, suggesting the nasal cavity as a route for SARS-CoV-2 brain infection. We demonstrated that transoral SARS-CoV-2 infection can spread from the nasal cavity to the central nervous system and the possibility of central olfactory dysfunction due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The virus was localized at the infection site and could damage all ORN-lineage cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumi Ueha
- Swallowing Center, the University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Rumi Ueha, ;
| | - Toshihiro Ito
- Department of Immunology, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Satoshi Ueha
- Division of Molecular Regulation of Inflammatory and Immune Diseases, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, Japan
| | - Misaki Koyama
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Uranaka
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Kondo
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Yamasoba
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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15
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Hura N, Yi JS, Lin SY, Roxbury CR. Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Diagnostic and Research Tool in Patients with Olfactory Dysfunction: A Systematic Review. Am J Rhinol Allergy 2022; 36:668-683. [PMID: 35585698 DOI: 10.1177/19458924221096913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with acquired, idiopathic olfactory dysfunction (OD) commonly undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation to rule out intracranial pathologies. This practice is highly debated given the expense of MRI relative to the probability of detecting a treatable lesion. This, combined with the increasing use of MRI in research to investigate the mechanisms underlying OD, provided the impetus for this comprehensive review. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this systematic review was to both assess the utility of MRI in diagnosis of idiopathic OD and to describe MRI findings among mixed OD etiologies to better understand its role as a research tool in this patient population. METHODS A literature search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus for studies with original MRI data for patients with OD was completed. Studies exclusively investigating patients with neurocognitive deficits or those studying traumatic or congenital etiologies of OD were excluded. RESULTS From 1758 candidate articles, 33 studies were included. Four studies reviewed patients with idiopathic OD for structural pathologies on MRI, of which 17 of 372 (4.6%) patients had a potential central cause identified, and 3 (0.8%) had an olfactory meningioma or olfactory neuroblastoma. Fourteen studies (42.4%) reported significant correlation between olfactory bulb volume and olfactory outcomes, and 6 studies (18.8%) reported gray matter volume reduction, specifically in the orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, insular cortex, parahippocampal, and piriform cortex areas, in patients with mixed OD etiologies. Functional MRI studies reported reduced brain activation and functional connectivity in olfactory network areas. CONCLUSION MRI uncommonly detects intracranial pathology in patients with idiopathic OD. Among patients with mixed OD etiologies, reduced olfactory bulb and gray matter volume are the most common abnormal findings on MRI. Further research is required to better understand the role of MRI and its cost-effectiveness in patients with acquired, idiopathic OD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanki Hura
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 1500The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 6595University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Julie S Yi
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 1500The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sandra Y Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 1500The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Christopher R Roxbury
- Section of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 21727The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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16
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Frosolini A, Parrino D, Fabbris C, Fantin F, Inches I, Invitto S, Spinato G, De Filippis C. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Confirmed Olfactory Bulb Reduction in Long COVID-19: Literature Review and Case Series. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12040430. [PMID: 35447962 PMCID: PMC9029157 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12040430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
An altered sense of smell and taste was recognized as one of the most characteristic symptoms of coronavirus infection disease (COVID-19). Despite most patients experiencing a complete functional resolution, there is a 21.3% prevalence of persistent alteration at 12 months after infection. To date, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in these patients have been variable and not clearly defined. We aimed to clarify radiological alterations of olfactory pathways in patients with long COVID-19 characterized by olfactory dysfunction. A comprehensive review of the English literature was performed by analyzing relevant papers about this topic. A case series was presented: all patients underwent complete otorhinolaryngology evaluation including the Sniffin’ Sticks battery test. A previous diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed by positive swabs. The MRIs were acquired using a 3.0T MR scanner with a standardized protocol for olfactory tract analysis. Images were first analysed by a dedicated neuroradiologist and subsequently reviewed and compared with the previous available MRIs. The review of the literature retrieved 25 studies; most cases of olfactory dysfunction more than 3 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection showed olfactory bulb (OB) reduction. Patients in the personal case series had asymmetry and a reduction in the volume of the OB. This evidence was strengthened by the comparison with a previous MRI, where the OBs were normal. The results preliminarily confirmed OB reduction in cases of long COVID-19 with an altered sense of smell. Further studies are needed to clarify the epidemiology, pathophysiology and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Frosolini
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy; (F.F.); (C.D.F.)
- Audiology Unit, Treviso Hospital, 31100 Treviso, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Daniela Parrino
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, ASST Sette Laghi, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, 21100 Varese, Italy;
| | | | - Francesco Fantin
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy; (F.F.); (C.D.F.)
- Audiology Unit, Treviso Hospital, 31100 Treviso, Italy
| | - Ingrid Inches
- Neuroradiology Unit, Treviso Hospital, 31100 Treviso, Italy;
| | - Sara Invitto
- INSPIRE Lab, Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technologies, DiSTeBA, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Giacomo Spinato
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy; (F.F.); (C.D.F.)
- Otolaryngology Unit, Treviso Hospital, 31100 Treviso, Italy;
| | - Cosimo De Filippis
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy; (F.F.); (C.D.F.)
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17
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Ammar A, Distinguin L, Chetrit A, Safa D, Hans S, Carlier R, Lechien JR, Edjlali M. Transient modifications of the olfactory bulb on MR follow-up of COVID-19 patients with related olfactory dysfunction. J Neuroradiol 2022; 49:329-332. [PMID: 35306004 PMCID: PMC8926438 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurad.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Olfactory dysfunction (OD) has been reported with a high prevalence on mild to moderate COVID-19 patients. Previous reports suggest that volume and signal intensity of olfactory bulbs (OB) have been reported as abnormal on acute phase of COVID-19 anosmia, but a prospective MRI and clinical follow-up study of COVID-19 patients presenting with OD was missing, aiming at understanding the modification of OB during patients'follow-up. METHODS A prospective multicenter study was conducted including 11 COVID-19 patients with OD. Patients underwent MRI and psychophysical olfactory assessments at baseline and 6-month post-COVID-19. T2 FLAIR-Signal intensity ratio (SIR) was measured between the average signal of the OB and the average signal of white matter. OB volumes and obstruction of olfactory clefts (OC) were evaluated at both evaluation times. RESULTS The psychophysical evaluations demonstrated a 6-month recovery in 10/11 patients (90.9%). The mean values of OB-SIR significantly decreased from baseline (1.66±0.24) to 6-month follow-up (1.35±0.27), reporting a mean variation of -17.82±15.20 % (p<0.001). The mean values of OB volumes significantly decreased from baseline (49.22±10.46 mm3) to 6-month follow-up (43.70±9.88 mm3), (p=0.006). CONCLUSION Patients with demonstrated anosmia reported abnormalities in OB imaging that may be objectively evaluated with the measurement of SIR and OB volumes. SIR and OB volumes significantly normalized when patient recovered smell. This supports the underlying mechanism of a transient inflammation of the OB as a cause of Olfactory Dysfunction in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amine Ammar
- Department of Radiology, APHP, Hôpitaux Raymond-Poincaré & Ambroise Paré, DMU Smart Imaging, GH Université Paris-Saclay, U 1179 UVSQ/Paris-Saclay, Paris, France.
| | - Lea Distinguin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Hôpital Foch, UVSQ/Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Anaelle Chetrit
- Department of Radiology, APHP, Hôpitaux Raymond-Poincaré & Ambroise Paré, DMU Smart Imaging, GH Université Paris-Saclay, U 1179 UVSQ/Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Safa
- Department of Radiology, APHP, Hôpitaux Raymond-Poincaré & Ambroise Paré, DMU Smart Imaging, GH Université Paris-Saclay, U 1179 UVSQ/Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Stephane Hans
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Hôpital Foch, UVSQ/Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Robert Carlier
- Department of Radiology, APHP, Hôpitaux Raymond-Poincaré & Ambroise Paré, DMU Smart Imaging, GH Université Paris-Saclay, U 1179 UVSQ/Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Jerome R Lechien
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Hôpital Foch, UVSQ/Paris-Saclay, Paris, France; Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, CHU Saint-Pierre, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, UMONS Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Myriam Edjlali
- Department of Radiology, APHP, Hôpitaux Raymond-Poincaré & Ambroise Paré, DMU Smart Imaging, GH Université Paris-Saclay, U 1179 UVSQ/Paris-Saclay, Paris, France; Laboratoire d'imagerie Biomédicale Multimodale (BioMaps), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Inserm, Service Hopsitalier Frédéric Joliot, Orsay, France
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