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Cerebral microvascular complications associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection: How did it occur and how should it be

Neda Omidian1, Pantea Mohammadi2, Mona Sadeghalvad2

  • 1Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.

Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & Pharmacotherapie
|August 22, 2022
PubMed

Insights

SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause cerebral microvascular disease, increasing ischemic stroke risk. This may stem from blood-brain barrier dysfunction, inflammation, and clotting issues.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Cerebral microvascular disease is a key neurological feature in SARS-CoV-2 patients.
  • This condition is linked to a higher risk of ischemic stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the properties of the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
  • To examine the neurotropism of SARS-CoV-2.
  • To explore mechanisms of central nervous system (CNS) microvascular damage during SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on SARS-CoV-2 and neurological disorders.
  • Analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 virus's interaction with the central nervous system.
  • Examination of the blood-brain barrier's role in neuroinflammation and cerebrovascular injury.

Main Results:

  • SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with cerebral microvascular disease.
  • Endothelial cell dysfunction, part of the blood-brain barrier, is a potential pathomechanism.
  • Increased inflammation, thrombocytopenia, and coagulation disorders may accompany cerebrovascular injury.

Conclusions:

  • SARS-CoV-2 can impact the central nervous system through microvascular damage.
  • Blood-brain barrier integrity is crucial in mitigating neurological complications of COVID-19.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is vital for managing neurological risks in SARS-CoV-2 patients.
Keywords:
Blood-brain barrierCerebral microvascularInflammatory responseNeurological disordersNeurotropismSARS-CoV-2

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