Brain Microstructural Alterations in Children Post-COVID-19 Infection Through VBM, SBM, and Structural Covariance...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pediatric Neurology
• Radiology

Background:

• Children are vulnerable to long-term COVID-19 effects due to ongoing neurodevelopment.
• This study investigates structural brain changes and network alterations in children post-COVID-19.

Purpose of the Study:

• Identify transient and persistent structural brain alterations in children after COVID-19 infection.
• Compare brain morphology and network organization in recovered children versus healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 26 children (8-12 years) with COVID-19 and 26 healthy controls.
• High-resolution T1-weighted MRI scans analyzed using Voxel-Based Morphometry (VBM) and Surface-Based Morphometry (SBM).
• Structural Covariance Network (SCN) analysis and graph theory metrics computed to assess brain network organization.

Main Results:

• Reductions in cortical volume observed in the cingulate cortex, hippocampus, and superior temporal gyrus post-COVID-19.
• Partial recovery noted in sulcal depth and cortical thickness of the superior temporal gyrus.
• Structural covariance networks showed lower global efficiency and higher small-worldness in the COVID-19 group, with increased path length.

Conclusions:

• Children recovering from COVID-19 may present with persistent structural brain changes and disrupted network connectivity.
• Some observed brain alterations show partial resolution, while others persist, necessitating long-term follow-up.
• Comprehensive neuroimaging and clinical evaluation are essential to determine the developmental impact of these changes.