Assessing Iron and Myelin Alterations in Patients with COVID-19 Using χ-separation

Motivation: COVID-19 affects the CNS, leading to persistent neurological complications. Alterations in brain iron levels and myelin integrity are suspected contributors. Accurate measurement of these minerals is crucial for understanding COVID-19-related neurological issues. Goal(s): This study investigates abnormal iron accumulation and demyelination in COVID cases using 𝜒-separation. Approach: We analyzed 132 subjects across three groups-no COVID (n=41), mild COVID (n=33) and long COVID (n=58) scanned at 3T Siemens Prisma MRI. Results: Significant differences in paramagnetic and diamagnetic susceptibilities and R2* values were observed in several white matter regions, while QSM showed no significant differences across groups. Impact: These findings may help identify biomarkers for COVID-19 related brain involvement and guide therapeutic approaches.