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McClelland AC, Benitez SJ, Burns J. COVID-19 Neuroimaging Update: Pathophysiology, Acute Findings, and Post-Acute Developments. Semin Ultrasound CT MR 2024; 45:318-331. [PMID: 38518814 DOI: 10.1053/j.sult.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 has prominent effects on the nervous system with important manifestations on neuroimaging. In this review, we discuss the neuroimaging appearance of acute COVID-19 that became evident during the early stages of the pandemic. We highlight the underlying pathophysiology mediating nervous system effects and neuroimaging appearances including systemic inflammatory response such as cytokine storm, coagulopathy, and para/post-infections immune mediated phenomena. We also discuss the nervous system manifestations of COVID-19 and the role of imaging as the pandemic has evolved over time, including related to the development of vaccines and the emergence of post-acute sequalae such as long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steven J Benitez
- Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Judah Burns
- Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
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2
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Hayashi S, Nishimoto Y, Yanase Y, Okune Y, Matsuoka K, Nishimoto S, Hosoda K, Negishi M. Vertebral artery wall inflammation suspected as the cause of cryptogenic ischemic stroke developing during the recovery period of COVID-19. Neuroradiol J 2024; 37:366-371. [PMID: 37566615 PMCID: PMC11138334 DOI: 10.1177/19714009231193159] [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: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) can cause acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). Some cases of COVID-19-related LVO are known to be resistant to mechanical thrombectomy and have different characteristics from non-COVID-19-related LVO. Inflammation of the occluded arterial wall is suspected as one of the causes of such differences, but the exact mechanism is not fully understood. A 52-year-old man suffered from AIS due to left vertebral artery (VA) occlusion during the recovery period after mild COVID-19. Successful recanalization of the left VA was achieved with antithrombotic therapy, but a late and reversible edematous lesion appeared in part of the brainstem adjacent to the left VA, with abnormal enhancement in both the left VA wall and medulla oblongata on postcontrast magnetic resonance imaging. We suggest that the left VA wall inflammation, induced by COVID-19, caused the ischemic stroke and extended to the brainstem, and an incidental thrombosed unruptured aneurysm of the left VA accelerated these changes. This case provides the first evidence of LVO after COVID-19 in which the pathological conditions in the brainstem adjacent to the affected artery could be observed with neuroimaging and inflammation of the arterial wall was indirectly confirmed. Physicians should be aware that unconventional ischemic stroke may develop in some patients during the recovery period after COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Hayashi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chikamori Hospital, Kochi, Japan
| | - Yo Nishimoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chikamori Hospital, Kochi, Japan
| | - Yongran Yanase
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chikamori Hospital, Kochi, Japan
| | - Yukiya Okune
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chikamori Hospital, Kochi, Japan
| | - Keita Matsuoka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chikamori Hospital, Kochi, Japan
| | - Shota Nishimoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chikamori Hospital, Kochi, Japan
| | - Koji Hosoda
- Department of Radiology, Chikamori Hospital, Kochi, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Negishi
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Chikamori Hospital, Kochi, Japan
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3
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Karakasis P, Nasoufidou A, Sagris M, Fragakis N, Tsioufis K. Vascular Alterations Following COVID-19 Infection: A Comprehensive Literature Review. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:545. [PMID: 38792566 PMCID: PMC11122535 DOI: 10.3390/life14050545] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, has revealed a broader impact beyond the respiratory system, predominantly affecting the vascular system with various adverse manifestations. The infection induces endothelial dysfunction and immune system dysregulation, creating an inflammatory and hypercoagulable state. It affects both microvasculature and macrovasculature, leading to thromboembolic events, cardiovascular manifestations, impaired arterial stiffness, cerebrovascular complications, and nephropathy, as well as retinopathy-frequently observed in cases of severe illness. Evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection may result in persistent effects on the vascular system, identified as long-term COVID-19. This is characterized by prolonged inflammation, endotheliopathy, and an increased risk of vascular complications. Various imaging modalities, histopathological studies, and diagnostic tools such as video capillaroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging have been employed to visualize vascular alterations. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the evidence concerning short and long-term vascular alterations following COVID-19 infection, investigating their impact on patients' prognosis, and providing an overview of preventive strategies to mitigate associated vascular complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paschalis Karakasis
- Second Department of Cardiology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokration General Hospital, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.K.); (A.N.); (N.F.)
| | - Athina Nasoufidou
- Second Department of Cardiology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokration General Hospital, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.K.); (A.N.); (N.F.)
| | - Marios Sagris
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos Fragakis
- Second Department of Cardiology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokration General Hospital, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.K.); (A.N.); (N.F.)
| | - Konstantinos Tsioufis
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
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4
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Khenkina N, Aimo A, Fabiani I, Masci PG, Sagris D, Williams SE, Mavraganis G, Chen HS, Wintermark M, Michel P, Ntaios G, Georgiopoulos G. Magnetic resonance imaging for diagnostic workup of embolic stroke of undetermined source: A systematic review. Int J Stroke 2024; 19:293-304. [PMID: 37435743 DOI: 10.1177/17474930231189946] [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] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) refers to ischemic stroke where the underlying cause of thromboembolism cannot be found despite the recommended diagnostic workup. Unidentified source of emboli hinders clinical decision-making and patient management with detrimental consequences on long-term prognosis. The rapid development and versatility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) make it an appealing addition to the diagnostic routine of patients with ESUS for the assessment of potential vascular and cardiac embolic sources. AIMS To review the use of MRI in the identification of cardiac and vascular embolic sources in ESUS and to assess the reclassification value of MRI examinations added to the conventional workup of ESUS. SUMMARY OF REVIEW We reviewed the use of cardiac and vascular MRI for the identification of a variety of embolic sources associated with ESUS, including atrial cardiomyopathy, left ventricular pathologies, and supracervical atherosclerosis in carotid and intracranial arteries and in distal thoracic aorta. The additional reclassification after MRI examinations added to the workup of patients with ESUS ranged from 6.1% to 82.3% and varied depending on the combination of imaging modalities. CONCLUSION MRI techniques allow us to identify additional cardiac and vascular embolic sources and may further decrease the prevalence of patients with the diagnosis of ESUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natallia Khenkina
- Postgraduate School of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Aimo
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
- Cardiology Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Iacopo Fabiani
- Cardiology Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Pier Giorgio Masci
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Dimitrios Sagris
- Liverpool Centre of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - George Mavraganis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Hui-Sheng Chen
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Max Wintermark
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Patrik Michel
- Stroke Center, Neurology Service, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - George Ntaios
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Georgios Georgiopoulos
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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5
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Liu L, Zhou C, Jiang H, Wei H, Zhou Y, Zhou C, Ji X. Epidemiology, pathogenesis, and management of Coronavirus disease 2019-associated stroke. Front Med 2023; 17:1047-1067. [PMID: 38165535 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-1041-7] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic has triggered a huge impact on healthcare, socioeconomics, and other aspects of the world over the past three years. An increasing number of studies have identified a complex relationship between COVID-19 and stroke, although active measures are being implemented to prevent disease transmission. Severe COVID-19 may be associated with an increased risk of stroke and increase the rates of disability and mortality, posing a serious challenge to acute stroke diagnosis, treatment, and care. This review aims to provide an update on the influence of COVID-19 itself or vaccines on stroke, including arterial stroke (ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke) and venous stroke (cerebral venous thrombosis). Additionally, the neurovascular mechanisms involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection and the clinical characteristics of stroke in the COVID-19 setting are presented. Evidence on vaccinations, potential therapeutic approaches, and effective strategies for stroke management has been highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100032, China
- Neurology and Intracranial Hypertension and Cerebral Venous Disease Center, National Health Commission of China, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100032, China
| | - Chenxia Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100032, China
- Neurology and Intracranial Hypertension and Cerebral Venous Disease Center, National Health Commission of China, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100032, China
| | - Huimin Jiang
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Huimin Wei
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yifan Zhou
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Chen Zhou
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, China.
| | - Xunming Ji
- Neurology and Intracranial Hypertension and Cerebral Venous Disease Center, National Health Commission of China, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100032, China.
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100032, China.
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6
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Wesselingh R. Prevalence, pathogenesis and spectrum of neurological symptoms in COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 syndrome: a narrative review. Med J Aust 2023; 219:230-236. [PMID: 37660309 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.52063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Neurological symptoms are not uncommon during severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and reflect a broad spectrum of neurological disorders of which clinicians should be aware. The underlying pathogenesis of neurological disease in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be due to four mechanisms of nervous system dysfunction and injury: i) direct viral neurological invasion; ii) immune dysregulation; iii) endothelial dysfunction and coagulopathy; and iv) severe systemic COVID-19 disease. Neurological manifestations of acute COVID-19 include headache, peripheral neuropathies, seizures, encephalitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and cerebrovascular disease. Commonly reported long term neurological sequelae of COVID-19 are cognitive dysfunction and dysautonomia, which despite being associated with severe acute disease are also seen in people with mild disease. Assessment of cognitive dysfunction after COVID-19 is confounded by a high prevalence of comorbid fatigue, anxiety, and mood disorders. However, other markers of neuroaxonal breakdown suggest no significant neuronal injury apart from during severe acute COVID-19. The long term impact of COVID-19 on neurological diseases remains uncertain and requires ongoing vigilance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robb Wesselingh
- Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
- Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC
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Corrêa DG, Pacheco FT, da Cruz LCH, Nunes RH, Maia ACM, de Souza Godoy LF, Bisolo L, da Silva NA, Soldatelli MD, de Siqueira Campos CM, Vedolin LM, do Amaral LLF, da Rocha AJ. Intracranial vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging features of infectious vasculitis. Clin Imaging 2023; 98:26-35. [PMID: 36996597 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2023.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Vasculitis is a complication of several infectious diseases affecting the central nervous system, which may result in ischemic and/or hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attack, and aneurysm formation. The infectious agent may directly infect the endothelium, causing vasculitis, or indirectly affect the vessel wall through an immunological mechanism. The clinical manifestations of these complications usually overlap with those of non-infectious vascular diseases, making diagnosis challenging. Intracranial vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (VWI) enables the evaluation of the vessel wall and the diseases that affect it, providing diagnostic data beyond luminal changes and enabling the identification of inflammatory changes in cerebral vasculitis. This technique demonstrates concentric vessel wall thickening and gadolinium enhancement, associated or not with adjacent brain parenchymal enhancement, in patients with vasculitis of any origin. It permits the detection of early alterations, even before a stenosis occurs. In this article, we review the intracranial vessel wall imaging features of infectious vasculitis of bacterial, viral, and fungal etiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Goulart Corrêa
- Department of Radiology, Clínica de Diagnóstico por Imagem (CDPI)/DASA, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Department of Radiology, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Felipe Torres Pacheco
- Department of Neuroradiology, Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Radiology, DASA, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Renato Hoffmann Nunes
- Department of Neuroradiology, Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Radiology, DASA, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Antônio Carlos Martins Maia
- Department of Neuroradiology, Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Radiology, Fleury, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Louise Bisolo
- Department of Radiology, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Nivaldo Adolfo da Silva
- Department of Radiology, DASA, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Radiology, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Leonardo Modesti Vedolin
- Department of Radiology, DASA, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Radiology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porta Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Antônio José da Rocha
- Department of Neuroradiology, Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Radiology, DASA, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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8
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Md Noh MSF, Abdul Rashid AM, Mohd Zain NR. The Spectrum of Vessel Wall Imaging (VWI) Findings in COVID-19-Associated Neurological Syndromes: A Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e37296. [PMID: 37168192 PMCID: PMC10166570 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.37296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the start of the pandemic, there have been extensive studies from all over the world reporting on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated neurological syndromes. Although initially thought of as primarily a respiratory pathogen, it became increasingly clear that the virus does have other systemic manifestations, including on the neurological system. Since then, the discovery of the many neuroimaging features of COVID-19-associated neurological syndromes have puzzled researchers and physicians in terms of interpretation, and how best to manage these findings to benefit patients. We sought to review the neuroimaging findings of COVID-19-associated neurological syndromes, particularly the vessel wall imaging (VWI) features, in the hope of finding a common feature that would better guide physicians in terms of further management of this group of patients. We will also look into the potential pitfalls of interpreting the VWI findings in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Syafeeq Faeez Md Noh
- Department of Radiology, Universiti Putra Malaysia Teaching Hospital, Serdang, MYS
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, MYS
| | - Anna Misyail Abdul Rashid
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, MYS
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9
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Md Noh MSF, Yusof Khan AHK, Mohd Sabri MN, Kamis MFAK, Mohd Yaakob MN, Rahim EA, Muda AS. Vessel wall imaging in COVID-19 associated carotid atherothrombosis and stroke: a case report and literature review. J Cent Nerv Syst Dis 2022; 14:11795735221112589. [PMID: 35832610 PMCID: PMC9272477 DOI: 10.1177/11795735221112589] [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] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 associated neurological syndromes, including acute ischemic stroke, pose a
challenge to treating physicians. The role of MRI in aiding diagnosis and further
management is indispensable. The advent of new MRI sequences such as vessel wall imaging
(VWI) allows an avenue in which these patients could be better investigated and treated.
We describe our experience in managing a patient with COVID-19 associated atherothrombosis
and stroke, focusing on the VWI imaging findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Syafeeq Faeez Md Noh
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences & Universiti Putra Malaysia Teaching Hospital, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Abdul Hanif Khan Yusof Khan
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences & Universiti Putra Malaysia Teaching Hospital, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Naqib Mohd Sabri
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences & Universiti Putra Malaysia Teaching Hospital, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Mohd Naim Mohd Yaakob
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences & Universiti Putra Malaysia Teaching Hospital, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ezamin Abdul Rahim
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences & Universiti Putra Malaysia Teaching Hospital, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Sobri Muda
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences & Universiti Putra Malaysia Teaching Hospital, Selangor, Malaysia
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10
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Beslow LA, Agner SC, Santoro JD, Ram D, Wilson JL, Harrar D, Appavu B, Fraser SM, Rossor T, Torres MD, Kossorotoff M, Zuñiga Zambrano YC, Hernández-Chávez M, Hassanein SMA, Zafeiriou D, Dowling MM, Kopyta I, Stence NV, Bernard TJ, Dlamini N. International Prevalence and Mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 in Childhood Arterial Ischemic Stroke During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Stroke 2022; 53:2497-2503. [PMID: 35380052 PMCID: PMC9311284 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.121.038250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: Data from the early pandemic revealed that 0.62% of children hospitalized with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) had an acute arterial ischemic stroke (AIS). In a larger cohort from June 2020 to December 2020, we sought to determine whether our initial point estimate was stable as the pandemic continued and to understand radiographic and laboratory data that may clarify mechanisms of pediatric AIS in the setting of SARS-CoV-2. Methods: We surveyed international sites with pediatric stroke expertise to determine numbers of hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 patients <18 years, numbers of incident AIS cases among children (29 days to <18 years), frequency of SARS-CoV-2 testing for children with AIS, and numbers of childhood AIS cases positive for SARS-CoV-2 June 1 to December 31, 2020. Two stroke neurologists with 1 neuroradiologist determined whether SARS-CoV-2 was the main stroke risk factor, contributory, or incidental. Results: Sixty-one centers from 21 countries provided AIS data. Forty-eight centers (78.7%) provided SARS-CoV-2 hospitalization data. SARS-CoV-2 testing was performed in 335/373 acute AIS cases (89.8%) compared with 99/166 (59.6%) in March to May 2020, P<0.0001. Twenty-three of 335 AIS cases tested (6.9%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 compared with 6/99 tested (6.1%) in March to May 2020, P=0.78. Of the 22 of 23 AIS cases with SARS-CoV-2 in whom we could collect additional data, SARS-CoV-2 was the main stroke risk factor in 6 (3 with arteritis/vasculitis, 3 with focal cerebral arteriopathy), a contributory factor in 13, and incidental in 3. Elevated inflammatory markers were common, occurring in 17 (77.3%). From centers with SARS-CoV-2 hospitalization data, of 7231 pediatric patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2, 23 had AIS (0.32%) compared with 6/971 (0.62%) from March to May 2020, P=0.14. Conclusions: The risk of AIS among children hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 appeared stable compared with our earlier estimate. Among children in whom SARS-CoV-2 was considered the main stroke risk factor, inflammatory arteriopathies were the stroke mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Beslow
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (L.A.B.)
| | - Shannon C Agner
- Division of Pediatric and Developmental Neurology, St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, MO (S.C.A.)
| | - Jonathan D Santoro
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine at USC, CA (J.D.S.)
| | - Dipak Ram
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, England, United Kingdom (D.R.)
| | - Jenny L Wilson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland (J.L.W.)
| | - Dana Harrar
- Division of Neurology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington' D.C. (D.H.)
| | - Brian Appavu
- Divison of Neurology, Phoenix Children's Hospital, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix (B.A.)
| | - Stuart M Fraser
- Division of Neurology, Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston' TX (S.M.F.)
| | - Thomas Rossor
- Evelina London Children's Hospital, England, United Kingdom (T.R.)
| | - Marcela D Torres
- Division of Hematology, Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, TX (M.D.T.)
| | - Manoëlle Kossorotoff
- French Center for Pediatric Stroke, Pediatric Neurology Department, APHP University Hospital Necker-Enfants maladies, Paris, France (M.K.)
| | - Yenny C Zuñiga Zambrano
- Unit of Pediatric Neurology, HOMI Fundación Hospital Pediátrico la Misericordia, Bogotá, Colombia (Y.C.Z.Z.)
| | - Marta Hernández-Chávez
- Unit of Pediatric Neurology, Division of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago (M.H.-C.)
| | - Sahar M A Hassanein
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt (S.M.A.H.)
| | - Dimitrios Zafeiriou
- Department of Pediatrics, Hippokratio General Hospital, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece (D.Z.)
| | - Michael M Dowling
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas (M.M.D.)
| | - Ilona Kopyta
- Department of Child Neurology, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland (I.K.)
| | - Nicholas V Stence
- Section of Pediatric Radiology, Children's Hospital Colorado, Department of Radiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine' Aurora (N.V.S.)
| | - Timothy J Bernard
- Section of Child Neurology, Children's Hospital Colorado, Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora (T.J.B.)
| | - Nomazulu Dlamini
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Child Health Evaluative Sciences Program, University of Toronto, ON, Canada (N.D.)
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11
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Mazzacane F, Mazzoleni V, Scola E, Mancini S, Lombardo I, Busto G, Rognone E, Pichiecchio A, Padovani A, Morotti A, Fainardi E. Vessel Wall Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Cerebrovascular Diseases. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12020258. [PMID: 35204348 PMCID: PMC8871392 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12020258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebrovascular diseases are a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. The definition of stroke etiology is mandatory to predict outcome and guide therapeutic decisions. The diagnosis of pathological processes involving intracranial arteries is especially challenging, and the visualization of intracranial arteries’ vessel walls is not possible with routine imaging techniques. Vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (VW-MRI) uses high-resolution, multiparametric MRI sequences to directly visualize intracranial arteries walls and their pathological alterations, allowing a better characterization of their pathology. VW-MRI demonstrated a wide range of clinical applications in acute cerebrovascular disease. Above all, it can be of great utility in the differential diagnosis of atherosclerotic and non-atherosclerotic intracranial vasculopathies. Additionally, it can be useful in the risk stratification of intracranial atherosclerotic lesions and to assess the risk of rupture of intracranial aneurysms. Recent advances in MRI technology made it more available, but larger studies are still needed to maximize its use in daily clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Mazzacane
- Department of Emergency Neurology and Stroke Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Valentina Mazzoleni
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy; (V.M.); (A.P.)
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological Sciences and Vision, ASST-Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Elisa Scola
- Neuroradiology Unit, Department of Radiology, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.S.); (S.M.); (I.L.); (G.B.)
| | - Sara Mancini
- Neuroradiology Unit, Department of Radiology, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.S.); (S.M.); (I.L.); (G.B.)
| | - Ivano Lombardo
- Neuroradiology Unit, Department of Radiology, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.S.); (S.M.); (I.L.); (G.B.)
| | - Giorgio Busto
- Neuroradiology Unit, Department of Radiology, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.S.); (S.M.); (I.L.); (G.B.)
| | - Elisa Rognone
- Department of Neuroradiology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Anna Pichiecchio
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Department of Neuroradiology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Padovani
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy; (V.M.); (A.P.)
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological Sciences and Vision, ASST-Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Andrea Morotti
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological Sciences and Vision, ASST-Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Enrico Fainardi
- Neuroradiology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Imaging features and ultraearly hematoma growth in intracerebral hemorrhage associated with COVID-19. Neuroradiology 2022; 64:1367-1372. [PMID: 35034151 PMCID: PMC8761086 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-021-02861-1] [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] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is an uncommon but deadly event in patients with COVID-19 and its imaging features remain poorly characterized. We aimed to describe the clinical and imaging features of COVID-19-associated ICH. Methods Multicenter, retrospective, case–control analysis comparing ICH in COVID-19 patients (COV19 +) versus controls without COVID-19 (COV19 −). Clinical presentation, laboratory markers, and severity of COVID-19 disease were recorded. Non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) markers (intrahematoma hypodensity, heterogeneous density, blend sign, irregular shape fluid level), ICH location, and hematoma volume (ABC/2 method) were analyzed. The outcome of interest was ultraearly hematoma growth (uHG) (defined as NCCT baseline ICH volume/onset-to-imaging time), whose predictors were explored with multivariable linear regression. Results A total of 33 COV19 + patients and 321 COV19 − controls with ICH were included. Demographic characteristics and vascular risk factors were similar in the two groups. Multifocal ICH and NCCT markers were significantly more common in the COV19 + population. uHG was significantly higher among COV19 + patients (median 6.2 mL/h vs 3.1 mL/h, p = 0.027), and this finding remained significant after adjustment for confounding factors (systolic blood pressure, antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy), in linear regression (B(SE) = 0.31 (0.11), p = 0.005). This association remained consistent also after the exclusion of patients under anticoagulant treatment (B(SE) = 0.29 (0.13), p = 0.026). Conclusions ICH in COV19 + patients has distinct NCCT imaging features and a higher speed of bleeding. This association is not mediated by antithrombotic therapy and deserves further research to characterize the underlying biological mechanisms.
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