Clinical and diagnostic features of long-COVID patients presenting with neurologic symptoms in Chicago.

Long COVID, a condition characterized by persistent symptoms after COVID-19 infection, is increasingly being recognized worldwide. Neurologic symptoms are frequently reported in survivors of COVID-19, making it crucial to better understand this phenomenon both on a societal scale and for the quality of life of these patients. Between January 1, 2020, and July 31, 2022, Illinois (IL) had a standardized cumulative death rate that ranked it 24th out of the 51 states in the United States (US). However, the US had one of the highest per capita COVID-19 death rates among large, high-income countries. [Bollyky T. et al. 2023] As a result of the increased number of COVID-19 infections, there was a rise in the number of patients experiencing Long COVID. At our neuro-infectious disease clinic in Chicago (IL), we observed an increasing number of patients presenting with cognitive and other neurologic symptoms after contracting COVID-19. Initially, we needed to provide these individuals with a better understanding of their condition and expected outcomes. We were thus motivated to further evaluate this group of patients for any patterns in presentation, neurologic findings, and diagnostic testing that would help us better understand this phenomenon. We aim to contribute to the growing body of research on Long COVID, including its presentation, diagnostic testing results, and outcomes to enlighten the long COVID syndrome. We hypothesize that the neurological symptoms resulting from long COVID persist for over 12 months. We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data from 44 patients with long-COVID. Cognitive symptoms were the most common presenting concern. Abnormalities in Montreal Cognitive Assessment, electroencephalogram, serum autoantibody testing, and cerebrospinal fluid were found in minority subsets of our cohort. At 12 months, most patients continue to experience neurologic symptoms, though more than half reported moderate or marked improvement compared to initial presentation. Although most of the patients in this study did not show a consistent occurrence of symptoms suggesting a cohesive underlying etiology, our clinical data demonstrated some features of Long COVID patients in Chicago (IL) that could lead to new research avenues, helping us better understand this syndrome that affects patients worldwide.

Increased Incidence of Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome Among Users of Tetracycline Antibiotics.

BACKGROUND: To determine whether the use of a tetracycline-class antibiotic is associated with an increased risk of developing pseudotumor cerebri syndrome (PTCS). METHODS: We identified patients in the University of Utah Health system who were prescribed a tetracycline-class antibiotic and determined what percentage of those individuals were subsequently diagnosed with PTCS secondary to tetracycline use. We compared this calculation to the number of patients with PTCS unrelated to tetracycline use. RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2014, a total of 960 patients in the University system between the ages of 12 and 50 were prescribed a tetracycline antibiotic. Among those, 45 were diagnosed with tetracycline-induced PTCS. We estimate the incidence of tetracycline-induced PTCS to be 63.9 per 100,000 person-years. By comparison, the incidence of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is estimated to be less than one per 100,000 person-years (Calculated Risk Ratio = 178). CONCLUSIONS: Although a causative link between tetracycline use and pseudotumor cerebri has yet to be firmly established, our study suggests that the incidence of pseudotumor cerebri among tetracycline users is significantly higher than the incidence of IIH in the general population.

A Comparison Between the Clinical Features of Pseudotumor Cerebri Secondary to Tetracyclines and Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension.

PURPOSE: Comparisons between clinical features of tetracycline-induced pseudotumor cerebri (PTC-T) and those of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) are absent in the literature. We hypothesized that significant clinical differences between these etiologies exist and could be better understood by retrospective analysis. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: We reviewed patients diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri syndrome (PTCS) at our center and identified those who developed PTC-T after treatment with a tetracycline-class antibiotic and those with IIH. Groups were compared by demographics, body mass index, ophthalmic examination, treatment, clinical course, and visual outcomes. RESULTS: We identified 52 cases of PTC-T and 302 cases of IIH. Obesity rates were significantly different (43.8% for PTC-T vs 79.2% for IIH, P < .001). The mean age at diagnosis was younger for PTC-T (19.8 years vs 28.1 years for IIH, P < .001). Diplopia was more common with PTC-T (40.4% vs 20.1% for IIH, P = .001). The mean illness duration was shorter for PTC-T (18.3 weeks vs 62.9 weeks for IIH, P <.0001). Recurrence rates were significantly different (4.0% for PTC-T vs 16.5% for IIH, P <.001). The frequency of surgical intervention was similar. Vision loss was uncommon but occurred with similar frequency. CONCLUSION: We identified significant clinical differences but also identified important similarities between the 2 groups. There appear to be nonobese patients who develop PTC-T, discontinue the antibiotic, and never develop PTCS again. There are other patients who develop PTC-T, discontinue the antibiotic, and later develop IIH. We conclude that PTC-T represents a spectrum of disease in susceptible individuals.

The Armstrong Laboratory Aviation Personality Survey: development, norming, and validation.

This work describes the development of a new psychological test for aviators. The Armstrong Laboratory Aviation Personality Survey was developed through the integration of clinical theory, psychometric methods, and empirical testing. It is currently given to all incoming U.S. Air Force pilot candidates. Using a sample of 6,047 student pilots, a thorough test development plan was accomplished. The 15 final test scales assess personality, psychopathology, and crew interaction styles. The scales have normative data and are demonstrated to be reliable and valid. The Armstrong Laboratory Aviation Personality Survey is recommended for use in the aviation community for both clinical and research purposes. Future research is recommended and needed in the areas of training, airframe, and special duty selection. Additional clinical work is indicated in the areas of psychiatric, psychological, and aeromedical evaluations.

Official position of the military TBI task force on the role of neuropsychology and rehabilitation psychology in the evaluation, management, and research of military veterans with traumatic brain injury.

This Position Statement is a summary of the literature and learning regarding current issues raised by the occurrence, treatment, and study of traumatic brain injury in military service members and veterans. The Report has been approved by the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN), Divisions 40 (Neuropsychology) and 22 (Rehabilitation Psychology) of the American Psychological Association (APA), and the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN), with the goal of providing information of relevance on an important public policy matter within their respective areas of expertise. The Report is not intended to establish guidelines or standards for the professional practice of psychology, nor has it been adopted as official policy by the American Psychological Association or any other division or subunit of APA.