Structural and Oxygen Metabolic Magnetic Resonance Imaging of long-COVID and ME/CFS

Motivation: Many long-COVID patients experience fatigue and post exertional malaise which are primary symptoms of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Understanding the similarities and differences between long-COVID and classic ME/CFS could provide insights into the disease mechanisms. Goal(s): To measure brain anatomy and oxygen metabolism between the two groups. Approach: Clinical standard and advanced MRI techniques measuring the venous oxygenation were applied. The fatigue level was assessed by questionnaires. Results: No differences in brain anatomy were observed between the groups, but the long-COVID group had significant lower venous oxygenation than the healthy control group and the classic CFS group. Impact: Many long-COVID patients fulfill diagnostic criteria for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Compared to structural changes, metabolism-related parameters, such as venous oxygenation of the brain, may be more sensitive to changes related to long-COVID and CFS disease mechanisms.