RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Slow but Evident Recovery from Neocortical Dysfunction and Cognitive Impairment in a Series of Chronic COVID-19 Patients
JF Journal of Nuclear Medicine
JO J Nucl Med
FD Society of Nuclear Medicine
SP 910
OP 915
DO 10.2967/jnumed.121.262128
VO 62
IS 7
A1 Ganna Blazhenets
A1 Nils Schroeter
A1 Tobias Bormann
A1 Johannes Thurow
A1 Dirk Wagner
A1 Lars Frings
A1 Cornelius Weiller
A1 Philipp T. Meyer
A1 Andrea Dressing
A1 Jonas A. Hosp
YR 2021
UL http://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/62/7/910.abstract
AB Cognitive impairment is a frequent complaint in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and can be related to cortical hypometabolism on 18F-FDG PET at the subacute stage. However, it is unclear if these changes are reversible. Methods: We prospectively assessed the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores and 18F-FDG PET scans of 8 COVID-19 patients at the subacute stage (once no longer infectious) and the chronic stage (˜6 mo after symptom onset). The expression of the previously established COVID-19–related covariance pattern was analyzed at both stages to examine the time course of post–COVID-19 cognitive impairment. For further validation, we also conducted a conventional group analysis. Results: Follow-up 18F-FDG PET revealed that there was a significant reduction in the initial frontoparietal and, to a lesser extent, temporal hypometabolism and that this reduction was accompanied by a significant improvement in cognition. The expression of the previously established COVID-19–related pattern was significantly lower at follow-up and correlated inversely with Montreal Cognitive Assessment performance. However, both 18F-FDG PET and cognitive assessment suggest a residual impairment. Conclusion: Although a significant recovery of regional neuronal function and cognition can be clearly stated, residuals are still measurable in some patients 6 mo after manifestation of COVID-19. Given the current pandemic situation and tremendous uncertainty concerning the long-term effects of COVID-19, the present study provides novel insights of the highest medical and socioeconomic relevance.