Effects of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome on the functional brain networks of non-hospitalized individuals

• Published in: Frontiers in neurology Vol. 14; p. 1136408
• Main Authors: Churchill, Nathan W, Roudaia, Eugenie, Chen, J Jean, Gilboa, Asaf, Sekuler, Allison, Ji, Xiang, Gao, Fuqiang, Lin, Zhongmin, Jegatheesan, Aravinthan, Masellis, Mario, Goubran, Maged, Rabin, Jennifer S, Lam, Benjamin, Cheng, Ivy, Fowler, Robert, Heyn, Chris, Black, Sandra E, MacIntosh, Bradley J, Graham, Simon J, Schweizer, Tom A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland Frontiers Media S.A 27.03.2023
• Subjects: brain function; COVID-19; fMRI; functional connectivity; Neurology; symptoms; COVID-19; symptoms; fMRI; brain function; functional connectivity
• ISSN: 1664-2295; 1664-2295
• DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1136408

The long-term impact of COVID-19 on brain function remains poorly understood, despite growing concern surrounding post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS). The goal of this cross-sectional, observational study was to determine whether there are significant alterations in resting brain function among non-hospitalized individuals with PACS, compared to symptomatic individuals with non-COVID infection. Data were collected for 51 individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 (mean age 41±12 yrs., 34 female) and 15 controls who had cold and flu-like symptoms but tested negative for COVID-19 (mean age 41±14 yrs., 9 female), with both groups assessed an average of 4-5 months after COVID testing. None of the participants had prior neurologic, psychiatric, or cardiovascular illness. Resting brain function was assessed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and self-reported symptoms were recorded. Individuals with COVID-19 had lower temporal and subcortical functional connectivity relative to controls. A greater number of ongoing post-COVID symptoms was also associated with altered functional connectivity between temporal, parietal, occipital and subcortical regions. These results provide preliminary evidence that patterns of functional connectivity distinguish PACS from non-COVID infection and correlate with the severity of clinical outcome, providing novel insights into this highly prevalent disorder.