Impact of Post-COVID19 Condition on Cerebral Microvasculature: a Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast MRI Study

Motivation: The neuropathological underpinnings of post-COVID19 condition (PCC) remain poorly understood. Neuroimaging may help to address the knowledge gap, toward development of patient-specific treatments. Goal(s): To investigate possible brain microvascular changes in individuals with PCC, in comparison to healthy controls. Approach: Dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI was performed in 36 PCC individuals (who were not hospitalized during their previous COVID19) and 21 controls, as part of the longitudinal NeuroCOVID19 study. Normalized relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) was assessed for regional changes between PCC and control groups using Bayesian multilevel regression. Results: Normalized rCBV was slightly (but significantly) decreased in 8 regions for PCC individuals. Impact: Long-term reductions in rCBV occur in areas functionally implicated in brain-related PCC symptoms, in those not hospitalized due to COVID19. The reductions could be causally related to PCC symptoms, or mechanisms such as neuroinflammation, neurovascular uncoupling and injury.