Neuroinflammatory Imaging Markers: Insights into the Cerebral Consequences of Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC)

Motivation: The motivation behind this study stems from the urgent need to decipher the neuroinflammatory processes contributing to Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) and to identify potential biomarkers for this condition through neuroimaging. Goal(s): The primary goal is to investigate the presence of cerebral imaging markers indicative of neuroinflammation in individuals experiencing neurological PASC. Approach: The study employed multi-shell diffusion MRI, to investigate changes in individuals with PASC. Diffusion parameters indicative of neuroinflammation were analyzed, by comparing among PASC patients, never-infected individuals, and acute-COVID controls. Results: PASC patients demonstrated increased whole-brain alterations consistent with axonal injury with inflammation. Impact: The findings of altered diffusion parameters in PASC patients shed light on the presence of axonal injuries with inflammation. These insights can potentially impact the diagnosing and treating long-term neurological symptoms of COVID-19, ultimately improving patient care and recovery strategies.