Neurological imaging findings in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a retrospective observational study in two Brazilian reference centers / Achados de neuroimagem em pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19: um estudo retrospectivo e observacional em dois serviços brasileiros de referência

ABSTRACT Background: A variety of neurological manifestations have been attributed to COVID-19. Objective: To investigate the occurrence of neurological symptoms and neuroimaging findings in patients hospitalized in two Brazilian reference centers. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients who had laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 presenting in two hospitals in Brazil between March 4 and July 7, 2020, who underwent brain imaging. Results: We recorded 1,359 patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. Brain imaging was performed in 250 (18.4%) patients with neurological symptoms, and nine of them (3.6%) had acute or subacute ischemic stroke neuroimaging findings. Six of the nine patients initially presented with respiratory symptoms while the other three patients presented to the emergency room with acute stroke signs. Conclusions: We described the neuroimaging findings of patients infected with COVID-19 who presented with neurological symptoms in two major hospitals in Brazil. We reinforce the importance of being aware of cerebrovascular complications, both in severe hospitalized patients and in patients who present to the emergency room with acute neurological symptoms, even in the elderly.

RESUMO Introdução: Diversas manifestações neurológicas têm sido atribuídas à COVID-19. Objetivo: Investigar a ocorrência de sintomas neurológicos e achados de neuroimagem em pacientes internados em dois centros de referência brasileiros. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo que avaliou pacientes internados em dois hospitais no Brasil entre 4 de março e 7 de julho de 2020, com confirmação laboratorial de infecção pelo COVID-19 e que foram submetidos a tomografia computadorizada ou ressonância magnética do crânio em razão de sintomas neurológicos. Resultados: Obtivemos 1.359 pacientes com confirmação laboratorial de infecção pelo COVID-19. Deles, 250 (18,4%) apresentaram sintomas neurológicos e foram submetidos a exames de imagem do crânio e nove (3,6%) demonstraram achados de neuroimagem compatíveis com acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) isquêmico agudo ou subagudo. Em seis dos nove pacientes, observaram-se inicialmente tosse e dispneia graves, enquanto outros três chegaram ao pronto-socorro com sinais de AVC agudo. Conclusões: Foram descritos os achados de neuroimagem em pacientes infectados com COVID-19 em dois grandes centros de referência brasileiros. Reforçamos a importância de estar atento aos quadros neurológicos, especialmente de AVC, tanto em pacientes graves hospitalizados quanto em pacientes que chegam ao pronto-socorro com sintomas neurológicos agudos, mesmo em idosos.

Neurological imaging findings in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a retrospective observational study in two Brazilian reference centers.

BACKGROUND: A variety of neurological manifestations have been attributed to COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence of neurological symptoms and neuroimaging findings in patients hospitalized in two Brazilian reference centers. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients who had laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 presenting in two hospitals in Brazil between March 4 and July 7, 2020, who underwent brain imaging. RESULTS: We recorded 1,359 patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. Brain imaging was performed in 250 (18.4%) patients with neurological symptoms, and nine of them (3.6%) had acute or subacute ischemic stroke neuroimaging findings. Six of the nine patients initially presented with respiratory symptoms while the other three patients presented to the emergency room with acute stroke signs. CONCLUSIONS: We described the neuroimaging findings of patients infected with COVID-19 who presented with neurological symptoms in two major hospitals in Brazil. We reinforce the importance of being aware of cerebrovascular complications, both in severe hospitalized patients and in patients who present to the emergency room with acute neurological symptoms, even in the elderly.

Minimally Invasive Interhemispheric Approach for Giant Olfactory Groove Meningioma: Technical Note.

BACKGROUND: Skull base tumors, such as large olfactory groove meningiomas (OGMs), are a challenge for neurosurgeons. However, the tendency to reduce invasive surgeries is gaining more adepts. We describe a minimally invasive interhemispheric approach with a falx window for microsurgical resection of the giant OGM as a technical note. METHODS: A minimal medial frontal craniotomy measuring 3-5 cm in size is performed, and an interhemispheric approach is combined with an opening in the falx to improve microsurgical resection of the giant OGM. The technique and more details are described. RESULTS: A minimally invasive interhemispheric approach with a falx window was performed in this case. Gross total resection of the OGM was possible with minimal brain retraction. Simpson grade I was achieved, and there was a good outcome on the postoperative recovery period of the patient, with vision improvement, preservation of olfaction, and no other complications. CONCLUSIONS: The minimally invasive interhemispheric approach with a falx window is effective and safe for giant OGM with a good outcome for the patient. The opening in the falx improves the interhemispheric pathway and allows gross total resection with minimal brain retraction and low morbidity.