Cerebral Imaging in Patients with COVID-19 and Neurological Symptoms: First Experience from two University Hospitals in Northern Germany

Abstract

Purpose To describe findings on cerebral imaging in patients with COVID-19 and neurological symptoms at two German university hospitals.

Materials and Methods Patients with COVID-19 and neurological symptoms and cerebral imaging (CT or MRI) were included. A chart review regarding neurological symptoms, COVID-19 and imaging findings was conducted.

Results 12 patients (4 females, age 68 ± 12 years) could be included. Three patients had acute findings. Two patients had acute and subacute cerebral ischemia, one patient had additional intracranial hemorrhages and presumed central pontine myelinolysis. One patient had presumed COVID-19-associated pansinusitis.

Conclusion Findings on cerebral imaging in patients with COVID-19 are uncommon and nonspecific. However, cerebral ischemia is regularly encountered and patients should be evaluated for stroke symptoms.

Key Points: 

• Approx. 20 % of patients with COVID-19 develop neurological symptoms.

• Findings on cerebral imaging in patients with COVID-19 are heterogeneous and nonspecific.

• The most common findings are cerebral ischemia and hemorrhages.

Citation Format

• Jensen-Kondering U, Neumann A, Margraf N et al. Cerebral Imaging in Patients with COVID-19 and Neurological Symptoms: First Experience from two University Hospitals in Northern Germany. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2021; 193: 667 – 671

Key words

brain - CNS - CT - infection - MR imaging

Publication History

Received: 18 July 2020

Accepted: 04 September 2020

Article published online:
19 November 2020

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