Structural and metabolic brain abnormalities in COVID-19 patients with sudden loss of smell

摘要: Abstract Objectives Sudden loss of smell is a very common symptom coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). This study characterizes the structural and metabolic cerebral correlates dysosmia in patients with COVID-19. Methods Structural brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) positron emission tomography [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET) were prospectively acquired simultaneously on hybrid PET-MR twelve (2 males, 10 females, mean age: 42.6 years, age range: 23-60 years) sudden positive detection severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nasopharyngeal swab specimens. FDG-PET data analysed using voxel-based approach compared that group healthy subjects. Results Bilateral blocking olfactory cleft was observed six patients, while subtle bulb asymmetry found three patients. No MRI signal abnormality downstream tract observed. Heterogeneous (decrease or increase) glucose metabolism abnormalities core high-order neocortical areas. A modulation regional by severity duration COVID-19-related disclosed correlation analyses. Conclusions shows COVID-19 not related to central involvement due SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasiveness. Loss associated heterogeneous changes cortical areas likely combined processes deafferentation active functional reorganisation secondary lack stimulation.