Characteristics of brain lesions found using MRI imaging in patients with post-COVID with signs of cognitive decline

Abstract

Aim: To describe and evaluate abnormalities of the brain in post-COVID patients with neurologic symptoms and cognitive deficits using MRI imaging of the brain. Materials and Methods: We included 21 patients with a previous positive PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 and one or more of the following symptoms: memory and cognitive decline, dizziness, anxiety, depression, chronic headaches. All patients had MRI imaging done at onset of symptoms, but after at least 1 year after positive testing for COVID-19 based on the patient’s previous medical history. Results: All of the patients complained of lack of concentration, forgetfulness, hard to process information. 15 patients suffered from confusion, 10 from anxiety. Of the 21 patients 14 had isolated chronic headaches, 3 had isolated dizziness, 4 patients had both symptoms upon inclusion. All patients underwent MRI imaging as a part of the diagnostic workup and had varying degrees of neurodegeneration. Conclusions: Our data correlates with existing research and shows tendency for cognitive decline in post-COVID patients. This provides groundwork for further research to determine correlation between acceleration of neurodegeneration and post-COVID.