Stellate Ganglion Block Relieves Long COVID-19 Symptoms in 86% of Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Post-COVID-19 condition, also known as long COVID-19 syndrome and post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2, encompasses an array of symptoms that persist well beyond the initial phase of the viral infection. These symptoms can range in intensity, from mild and manageable to severe and incapacitating. Due to the evolving nature of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, treatment protocols for the illness are in a constant state of evolution. The early stage of long COVID-19 syndrome contributes to a dearth of treatment protocols based on empirical evidence, while the absence of a conclusive pathophysiological understanding further complicates the development of such protocols. Current treatment regimens include homeopathic medicine, specialist system-focused treatments, infusion therapies, hyperbaric oxygenation, antivirals, and polypharmacy. The physiological, psychological, and societal impact of long COVID-19 cannot be approached casually and must govern the intensity with which the healthcare community approaches the treatment of long COVID-19 syndrome. In this 41-patient cohort study from a chronic pain management practice, the use of either unilateral or bilateral stellate ganglion block (SGB) was explored to manage symptoms associated with long COVID-19 syndrome. Results indicated that a substantial proportion of patients (86%) experienced a reduction of their symptoms following SGB treatment.

Unveiling the Mysteries of Long COVID Syndrome: Exploring the Distinct Tissue and Organ Pathologies Linked to Prolonged COVID-19 Symptoms

The ongoing battle against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has encountered a complex aspect with the emergence of long COVID syndrome. There has been a growing prevalence of COVID-19-affected individuals experiencing persistent and diverse symptoms that extend beyond the initial infection phase. The phenomenon known as long COVID syndrome raises significant questions about the underlying mechanisms driving these enduring symptoms. This comprehensive analysis explores the complex domain of long COVID syndrome with a view to shed light on the specific tissue and organ pathologies contributing to its intricate nature. This review aims to analyze the various clinical manifestations of this condition across different bodily systems and explore potential mechanisms such as viral persistence, immune dysregulation, autoimmunity, and molecular mimicry. The goal is to gain a better understanding of the intricate network of pathologies contributing to long COVID syndrome. Understanding these distinct pathological indicators provides valuable insights into comprehending the complexities of long COVID and presents opportunities for developing more accurate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, thereby improving the quality of patient care by effectively addressing the ever-changing medical challenge in a more focused manner.

IL-6 Serum Levels in COVID-19 Patients With Vertigo

Introduction Dizziness and vertigo represent well-established symptoms of COVID-19. An overexpression of cytokines, a condition often described with the term "cytokine storm" or "hypercytokinemia", is a key characteristic of SARS-Cov-2 infection and plays a pivotal role in disease progression and prognosis. Among them, IL-6 is of major importance.  Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate any probable IL-6 serum titer difference in COVID-19 patients with vertigo (V+) or without vertigo (V-) admitted to the COVID-19 internal medicine departments of Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece, within 12 months. Methods The sample consisted of 52 COVID-19 patients who were diagnosed between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020. Of those, 31 reported vertigos during their admission (V+), while the remaining 21 COVID-19 patients did not complain of such symptoms (V-). Results Higher IL-6 serum levels post-COVID-19 infections lead to higher incidence rates of vertigo symptoms (p<.005), regardless of gender and age (p.005).

Long COVID Syndrome and Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: An Unwelcome Combination

Since the report of the first case from China in late 2019, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread very rapidly through the countries and regions leaving a trail of devastation in its path, everywhere. Although COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory illness mainly affecting the lungs; involvement of other organs including the cardiovascular system has been widely recognized. Whilst COVID-19 is an acute illness for a majority of cases; some of the debilitating virus-related symptoms can last for weeks and months, and are collectively termed as long COVID syndrome. Several published reports have described an association between acute COVID-19 illness and cardiac complications such as myocarditis and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. However, little is known about any link between long COVID syndrome and the cardiac disease. We describe the case of a middle-aged woman with long COVID syndrome who presented with central chest pain and breathlessness. Her initial investigations showed an elevated cardiac troponin I and ischemic changes on 12 lead ECG. She was initially treated for non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. A subsequent coronary angiogram showed unobstructed coronary vessels and left ventricle (LV) gram demonstrated apical LV ballooning. She was managed conservatively and was discharged home following her clinical improvement. This case highlights the importance of holistic assessment of patients presenting with chest pain with the background of long COVID syndrome. It also outlines an emergent need to better understand pathophysiological mechanisms that underpin the development of cardiac complications in those with COVID-19 and long COVID syndrome.