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Topographical Distribution of Neuroanatomical Abnormalities Following COVID-19 Invasion: A Systematic Literature Review

Kiyak, Ceyda; Ijezie, Ogochukwu Ann; Ackah, Joseph A.; Armstrong, Matthew; Cowen, Jake; Cetinkaya, Deniz; Burianová, Hana; Akudjedu, Theophilus N.

Authors

Ceyda Kiyak

Ogochukwu Ann Ijezie

Joseph A. Ackah

Jake Cowen

Deniz Cetinkaya

Hana Burianová

Theophilus N. Akudjedu



Abstract

Purpose
This systematic review is aimed at synthesising the literature base to date on the frequency and topographical distribution of neuroanatomical changes seen on imaging following COVID-19 invasion with a focus on both the acute and chronic phases of the disease.

Methods
In this study, 8 databases were systematically searched to identify relevant articles published from December 2019 to March 2022 and supplemented with a manual reference search. Data were extracted from the included studies and narrative synthesis was employed to integrate the findings.

Results
A total of 110 studies met the inclusion criteria and comprised 119,307 participants (including 31,073 acute and 143 long COVID-19 patients manifesting neurological alterations) and controls. Considerable variability in both the localisation and nature of neuroanatomical abnormalities are noted along the continuum with a wide range of neuropathologies relating to the cerebrovascular/neurovascular system, (sub)cortical structures (including deep grey and white matter structures), brainstem, and predominant regional and/or global alterations in the cerebellum with varying degrees of spinal involvement.

Conclusion
Structural regional alterations on neuroimaging are frequently demonstrated in both the acute and chronic phases of SARS-CoV‑2 infection, particularly prevalent across subcortical, prefrontal/frontal and cortico-limbic brain areas as well as the cerebrovascular/neurovascular system. These findings contribute to our understanding of the acute and chronic effects of the virus on the nervous system and has the potential to provide information on acute and long-term treatment and neurorehabilitation decisions.

Citation

Kiyak, C., Ijezie, O. A., Ackah, J. A., Armstrong, M., Cowen, J., Cetinkaya, D., Burianová, H., & Akudjedu, T. N. (2024). Topographical Distribution of Neuroanatomical Abnormalities Following COVID-19 Invasion: A Systematic Literature Review. Clinical Neuroradiology, 34(1), 13-31. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00062-023-01344-5

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Aug 14, 2023
Online Publication Date Sep 11, 2023
Publication Date 2024-03
Deposit Date Sep 4, 2024
Journal Clinical Neuroradiology
Print ISSN 1869-1439
Electronic ISSN 1869-1447
Publisher Springer
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 34
Issue 1
Pages 13-31
DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s00062-023-01344-5
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2785905
Additional Information This article is Open Access at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00062-023-01344-5