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Neurological Complications of COVID-19 and Possible Neuroinvasion Pathways: A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Graziella Orrù

    (Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular & Critical Area Pathology, University of Pisa, via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy)

  • Ciro Conversano

    (Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular & Critical Area Pathology, University of Pisa, via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy)

  • Eleonora Malloggi

    (Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular & Critical Area Pathology, University of Pisa, via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy)

  • Francesca Francesconi

    (Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular & Critical Area Pathology, University of Pisa, via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy)

  • Rebecca Ciacchini

    (Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular & Critical Area Pathology, University of Pisa, via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy)

  • Angelo Gemignani

    (Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular & Critical Area Pathology, University of Pisa, via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy)

Abstract

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has shocked the whole world with its unexpected rapid spread. The virus responsible for the disease, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), enters host cells by means of the envelope spike protein, which binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors. These receptors are highly expressed in heart, lungs, respiratory tract epithelium, endothelial cells and brain. Since an increasing body of significant evidence is highlighting a possible neuroinvasion related to SARS-CoV-2, a state of the art on the neurological complications is needed. To identify suitable publications, our systematic review was carried out by searching relevant studies on PubMed and Scopus databases. We included studies investigating neurologic manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 in patients over 18. According to the analyzed studies, the most frequent disorders affecting central nervous system (CNS) seem to be the following: olfactory and taste disorders, ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke, meningoencephalitis and encephalopathy, including acute necrotizing encephalopathy, a rare type of encephalopathy. As regards the peripheral nervous system (PNS), Guillain-Barré and Miller Fisher syndromes are the most frequent manifestations reported in the literature. Important clinical information on the neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 would help clinicians raise awareness and simultaneously improve the prognosis of critically ill patients.

Suggested Citation

  • Graziella Orrù & Ciro Conversano & Eleonora Malloggi & Francesca Francesconi & Rebecca Ciacchini & Angelo Gemignani, 2020. "Neurological Complications of COVID-19 and Possible Neuroinvasion Pathways: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-18, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:18:p:6688-:d:413447
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    References listed on IDEAS

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